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Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


> 


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Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The 
to  th 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


D 


n 
n 


v/ 


n 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pellicul^e 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverturo  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrde  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  torsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t4  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilldur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6ti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


□   Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restauries  et/ou  pelliculdes 

r~~j    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
1^1    Pages  ddcolories,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6es 


v/ 


x/ 


The 
post 
of  tf 
filmi 


Orig 
begi 
the  I 
sion 
othe 
first 
sion 
or  ill 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


I      I    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


Quality  indgale  de  I'impression 

Includec  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  matdriel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


The 
shall 
TINt 
whi( 

Map 
diffe 
entii 
begi 
right 
requ 
metl 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
sl^ps,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

SOX 

y 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 


L'exempiaire  fiimA  fut  reproduit  grice  it  la 
ginirositd  de: 


La  Bibliothique  de  la  Villa  de  Montrtel 


La  Bibliothdque  de  la  Ville  de  Montreal 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  Iteeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin.  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetd  de  l'exempiaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  imprds- 
sion,  or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimte  sent  fiimis  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  (i'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  seion  le  cas.  Tpus  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaTtra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signif ie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  y  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartas,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimis  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  h  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mithode. 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

■y/'..,./      ^  ///,/',/'  //,        /yy.y.^A 


</</^/.y , 


fn^  109. 


0   N 


AG  A; 


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'    '    iv  N  C  E  S 


luui  vy'     . , :  i?  TT' , 


KTesat  KSV.aTWE  TO  OSr,- 
■kf.  TOVCT*S  ??.:  THE  O0r;.vi  v, 


'^       WITH 


A.  MO 


/-WE 


VOLTTMf-X 


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fi'i/r  109 


\:i  <■. 


ONOJfDAGA; 


OB 


REMINISCENCES 


OP 


MELIER  AND  lATER  TIMES; 

=™» . ,.,.,  „,  „,„„„„,  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^^^  ^^  ^ 

XOIES  on  THE  SBVEEAL  TO,V»S  ,„  THE  COMir, 


AND 


OSWEGO. 


By  JOSHUA  V.  a  CLARK,  A.  M. 


CORRESPONDINO  MEMBER  OF   THE  ? 


NEW  YORK  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 

VOL.  I. 

SYRACUSE: 
STODDAJiD  ANDBABCOCK, 

1849. 


f"'/'  109 


;  I 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tiie  year  1849,  by 
JOSHUA   V.   H.   CLARK,  A.M. 
Ill  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Northern  District  of  New-Yorli. 


STEREOTYPED    BY 
BAKER  &  TIERNAX. 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 


r       f 


I       i 


115521) 


PllEFACE 


The  collection  of  raatorials  for  tho.^  volumes  was  f5rst  su<v.c9ted  to 
tho  author,  by  tho  members  >of  Ma.dius  Lycou.n,  before  whom,  in  the 
wnter  of  18 1  l~i2,  ho  was  solicitoa  to  ddivor  a  Lecture  upon  tho  Early 
History  and  Settlement  of  tho  town  of  Munlius  anxl  vicinity-tho  task 
was  reluctantly  accepted. 

In  entering  upon  a  subject,  at  first  thought  to  lx>  unfruitful  in  inci- 
dent  and  barren  of  interest,  materials  multiplied  and  tacts  accumulated 
to  such  an  extent,  that  instead  of  asinglo  Lecture,  two  was  tho  result,  • 

Ihe  held  of  hu-estigation  already  entered,  was  found  to  bo  unex- 
p  ored,  and  the  author  was  borne  on  involuntarily,  if  not  irresistably,  to 
glean  tresh  materials  from  sources  the  most  prolific. 

la  viewing  tho  ancient  fortifications,  burying  grounds  and  relics,  so 
numerous  in  this  county,  and  becoming  satisfied  that  tho  history  of 
these  works  was  imperfectly  understood,  and  that  the  materials  for 
bnngu,g  it  to  light,  were  widely  scattered-although  unqualified,  in 
many  respects,  to  do  ju.tico  to  so  important  a  subject,  nevertheless,  the 
author  telt  it  a  duty  to  proceed. 

The  success  which  has  attended  tho  undertaking,  in  the  collectiou 
ot  a  mass  of  materials,  has  greatly  e.vcoeded  anticipation. 

The  matter  for  this  work,  has  been  digested  and  arranged  amidst 
he  cares  and  perplexities,  toils  and  trials,  incident  to  tho  life  of  a  la- 
bormg  man.  It  has  been  only  in  leisure  moments,  snatched  at  inter- 
vals when  tho  plow  was  at  rest,  and  tho  sytho  and  sickle  were  sus- 
pended,  that  the  n.aterials  have  been  gathered  and  put  in  order  for 
the  press. 

Since  the  time  these  labors  first  commenced,  tho  Libraries  of  Cam- 
bridge University,  Mass.;  lirown  University  and  Athenan.m,  of  Provi- 


iy 


PREFACE. 


Jonco,  R.  I.;  and  .ho New-Y„,k n«i„ri,„  Society. NowVork  S^ty 

L^™«ofNc»  York  and  tl,oS.„.„Li,.™r,,,.Alba,,,,hnvol.e„vi' 
« ,  to  each  ,„d,vi,lual  Libraria,,  of  „l,ic|,,  ,h„  „o,t  grateful  acknowl. 

.<lge,„„„t,aroduc,  for  the  go„.i„ ,„ycourt.,y  a.u.  ki„d„e.,,  afforded 

to  tljo  aiitlior  iii  Ids  rcscarclics. 

To  tl,o  lion.  ,J„|,„  Carter  Urowa,  of  rrovidence,  R.  I.,  the  most 
..ufe,g„ed  tha„k»  are  tendered,  for  Ids  partial  favor,  in  placing  at  tl 
"uthor,  d.„»al,  the  «J.a„„  „„.„.„.,,..  relative  t^  onr "count/ 
^^tory     Mr.  Hrowa  ha,  a  rare  collection  of  these  work,  published 
about  two  hundred  year,  ago,  at  Paris,  in  the  French  language. 

IhoBO  IWationsareto  a  considerable  extent,  our  history,  a  Jas  such, 
tl,c,r  ,„,rod„ct,on  is  |,ardo„abie_yea,  necessary  to  its  perfection. 

In  tho  progress  of  this  nndertaking,  the  author  has  consulted,  and  in 
«..ne  mstancos,  (for  which  he  hopes  to  be  pardoned,)  has  drawn  largely 
ta>m  the  ollowing  works,  vi.  :-Charlav„i.x'  1  listorie  do  Nouvillo  Fran- 
ca.; Charievoix-  letters  to  tho  ]  ,„cl.ess  IWcsdigaiorcs ;  Francis  Crenxins' 
U.slora,  Nov,e  Franci. ;  Father  llenepin's  Travels  in  North  America; 
•fes„,t  he  at,„ns  fron,  1 0-12  to  1 T02 ;  Loskiel's,  La  Ilontan's  and  Hceke- 
welJe,-s   ndian  Histories;  CoKlen's  Five  N.ations ;  Sn,i.hs  llisU^ry  of 
.New-\ork;  JJroJhead's  London  Doenmcnts ;  Mai-shalrs  Lifo  of  Wash- 
.-.gton;  Snrollcfs  Uistory  of  Kugland;  Stone's  Life  of  Brant;  .School- 
crafts  Ao.es;  Kip's  .lesuits;  Natural  History  of  New-York;   Canal 
I^ocuinuiiLs ;  Balloting  Book,  d'c. 

To  numerous  individuals,  .ho  to  a  greater  or  less  extent  have  aided 
.a  tins  undertaking,  the  author  is  under  peculiar  ..Ui,ations,  ^.r  hints 
«n^ostions  and  the  lumishing  uf  n.aterials.     An.ong  those,  he  takes 
pleasure  in  nanung  Professor  AVillian,  Gannndl,  of  1 5ro wn  University^ 
acob  1^.  Moore,  Es^.,  Librarian  of  the  X.nv-^'ork  Ilbtorioal  Sooiet;  ^ 
Hon.  Archibald  Can.pbell,  l.eputy  Secretary  of  State;  Mr.  Van  Kens' 
selaer,  Assistant  Surveyor  (General ;  Aln-ed  B.  Street  Esq.,  State  Libra- 
rian; and  E.  B.  O'Callaghan,  M.  ]).,  Albany. 

Totliellev.  Messrs.  Saltorn  Givens,  A,hun  Eiliott  and  Abraham 
Nelles,  Missionaries  among  the  Mohawks,  Onondagas  and  Oneidas,  in 
Canada  \^  est,  respecting  iheir  interesting  missions   and  also  to  tho 


v-York  Society 
,  have  been  vis- 
iteful  acknowl- 
diioss,  afforded 

'.  I,  the  most 
)Iaciiin^  at  the 
our  county's 
rks,  published 
iguago. 
',andas  such, 
'rfection. 
suited,  and  in 
Irawn  h'lrgely 
ouville  Fran- 
K'is  Creuxius' 
'th  America; 
s  and  Hocke- 
3  History  of 
ifo  of  Wash- 
ant  ;  School- 
ork;    Canal 

•  have  aided 
IS,  for  hints, 
K',  h(j  takes 
University ; 
'al  Society ; 
Van  liens- 
state  Libra- 

Abraliam 
Oneidas,  in 
xlso  to  the 


PREFAOB. 

Kov,  Elczor  Willi,,,,,,,  l„„ij  ,i„,„  .  Ml.,io„Hry  a,„o„g  l|,„  0„ondag« 

mi  0„e,Ja.,  „l  Onoid, d  Uroen  I)„y,  „„d  to  Iholiov.  E,.ki,l  (J 

Gear,  Cl,a,,l„i„  U.  S.  A.,  K„,t  Snclling,  tho  „,c«t  .i„c«ro  tl,„„b  a«' 
due  far  valuable  co,i„n„„icatio„n, 

Abo  to  the  late  lto».  J„l„,  C,  liudd,  IX  I)..  „f  Utica;  Eov.  Ilenrv 
Gregory  D.  U..  of  Sy,,,e„,e;  Kov.  Jol„,  I.  f;,,,,  ofManlius,  and  Rev 
Geo.  ...  Dolevan,  oO.a  Kay..,to.  Abo,  to  Harvey  Baldwi,,,  Jol,„  Wilkin- 
.o„,  W,s  II  Kedfeld,  Tl„„.,a,  S,,e„„,,  a„,«  v.  G™ge,  Phare. 
Go,dd,  E.  W.  Leavcawurtl,  „„d  U„f,„  Stanton,  K,qr».,  of  Syracuse.  Al- 
»o,  to  t.o  Clerk  of  Cayuga  County,  a,.d  to  V.  W.  S,„i.l,,  E,,.,  Clerk,  a.d 
L.  J.  C.U  ne,,„ty  Clerk  of  Onondaga  County;  ,Io„.  Squire  M. 
Brow,,  of  Elbndge ;  JI„„.  r,,„,.g,  „Mo,,  Hon.  David  Munro  and  B. 

l^T^'  "'^^^^'f'""'"-'  "--  "»l<''v-™a  l%do,v,of  Lysao- 
der  fho„u„VVl,eele,,I.i,,.,of  Salina;  Si„,e„„  Clark,  of  Otiseo ;  Cl.a', 
0,  Roundey.  of  .Sp,,,,,,,  Wa,,,„  „,„„,_  ^,^^  „,  ^^^  ^^_ 

Lev,  S.  l„r,ou,,  of  Marcellu,;  II.  c.  V.an  Sol,aack,  E,,.,  of  M„„,i„,; 
Jerem,al. Gould  .„d  I,,,ae  Keeler, B.,rs.,  of  La  Layette;  Hon.  DaJ 
Moseleyand  Oliver  U.  Strong,  Es,.,  of  Ono„d,ga;  Asa  Eastwood  and 
W,n  Steven,,  Esqrs.,  of  Cieero.  Also,  to  Edwin  W.  Clarke,  B  B  Burt 
and  Matthow  McSai,.,  E„,r,,  of  Oswego,  and  A.  G.  Hull  a,,,,  Pete, 
»cl,eaek,  11,,,..,  of  Falton,  the  author  is  under  speeial  obligations  for 
miJortaut  suggestions  .and  ,nateri.als. 

The  na,ues  of  M„.  O'BIenni.,,  of  g,ali„a,  and  Mrs.  Wood,  of  Onon- 
d»ga  noUow,  should  not  be  omitted,  both  of  whom  have  resided  in 
tie  eounly  fro,,,  its  earliest  settlement,  and  whose  vigorous  minds  are 
stored  w,tU  an  ahnost  unli,„iled  stoek  of  valuable  information 

U,t  .,re  .,eknowledged  the  MSS.  and  papers  furnished  by  the  Eev 
J.  W.  Adams,  D  D,  who  for  several  years,  had  been  engaged  upon  . 
s,m,  „r  wor...  These  had  been  eolleeted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.,  with  a  view 
0  ult,n,ate  publiealion,  but  hisparoehial  duties,  and  other  nneontrol.- 
ble  e,reun,,,a„ces  interposed,  and  the  idea  was  abandoned.  So  far  a. 
ava,lable,  these  papers  have  been  drawn  from 

In  acWiH,.,  ,0  the  aeknowledgements  already  made,  there  are  hut., 
dreds  of  „.J,v,d„al,  throughout  the  eounty,  who  have  been  scareeiy 


^  PREFACE. 

I«.ervi«blc  l„  f„n,W,i„g  ,„,„. ,  f„,  „,,  „„k,  „„j  ,,,„^j  ^ 

^c.r  nan.o,  re«v„  a  pl.«,  wo  ,houla  U  te„„a  u,  ^vo  a  couple,. 
mu..cr  roll  of  .h„  „,«,.    .p„  .„...„,,„  „„,^,^^,_  __^^^_^  P 

U^«.,  »h„  ,.„ve  ,,,„«,  „,  ,„ , „„,„„.„  .,„,^,,.^,^ 

littio  progress. 

With  those  prohminary  remarks  and  explanations,  the  followinrr 
pages  nro  submitted  to  tho  public.  wiiowmg 

Jotv,  1849.  ». 

THE  AUTHOR. 


^  il 


I 


It 


CONTENTS,  VOL.  I. 


CHAPTER   I. 

INDIANS. 

%1L%  T  '"•"  J"'"""-,  ^'"»°''  '"■  'J'"-ercnt  tribe,  once  inhabiting  New-York. 

cZlTt    ^"*^'";'^"-^^-"-'--y-    Mohawks.    Oaeidas.    OnondoKM 
Cayugag.    Senecus.    General  Remarks ^       .  j. 

CHAPTER   II. 

TRADITIONS  OF  THE  ONONDAGAS. 

"^SeTn'ent  ""  O^"''"  ""l"":  by  Tao^n-ya-wat-ha.  llin  slaughter  of  a  Mo„«rou, 
Serpent.  Opening  of  the  chnnnel  of  OnondoKu  River.  The  Enchantress 
Featherea  Mon.ter.s.  Great  l.^le.  Allusion  to  other  tJmo^^uZ 
and  Wuard.  Evd  Spirit.  Tradition  of  a  Colony.  Helief  in  Thunder  and 
L.ghtnmg.    Marnage.    Fan.ily  Discipline.    Treatn.entof  the  Sick.   Bur^I.    37 

CHAPTER   III. 

PAGAN  RITES  AND  CEREMONIEa 

Religious  Belief    Annual  Feasts.    Sacrifices.    Dances.    Eemark*  53 

CHAPTER   IV. 

PAGAN  RITES  AND  CEREMONIES. 

Compared  with  those  of  the  Jews,  Egyptians,  Greeks  and  Romans.  (59 

CHAPTER   V. 

LIVES  OF  DISTINGUISHED  ONONDAGA  CHIEFS. 

Dekannissora.    Garangula.    Kanahjeagah.    Sadekanahto.    Canassetago.    Oundi- 
ago.    Conyatauyou.    Ossahinta.    Tatotah.    Dehatkatons.    Council  Fire.      79 

CHAPTER   VI. 

FRENCH  MISSIONS. 

Introduction  of  French  Roman  Catholic  Missionaries  to  Onondaga.    Father  Si. 


••• 

Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


Father  Paul  Ra-uencau     n-JT?  "'"  ^"'"^  '°  ^he  Onondagas,  by 

Moyne  with  th/o  ^.s        el "i" nT""!."  o'"  """••    ^^''''"^'°"  °^  ^' 

Account  of  u  Colony    oaf Jan.^v  l^r  °'V        '°  ''''•    ^^^  ^'"  ^''"'°«'« 
y  Janie^vjlle,  ICOG.    Relalions  from  1668  to  1709.    126 

CHAPTER   VII. 

LWGLISII,  GERMAN  AND  AMERICAN  MISSIONS 

Sanson  Oce.;  nSO.    B^Z!]^:::^^:'^!:;^^  T  ■  ^- 

•      210 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

-mY  HISTORY  OF  THE  ONONDAGAS,  AND  INCIDENTALLY 
THAT  OF  THE  SIX  NATIONS       '^'"'''^^^^^^ 

of  the  Iroquois  with  the  French.     Irr  val  of  Mo       n         .  ^"^'''/"'^''=°"'«« 

«»„  f„.  Peace.  F„„e„  P^p^^t  trit  I:e  po  t"  ^..."^a 
Attack  and  Dissappointment  of  the  French  Wnr  Ton.-  i  ^"^'"'"S^'*-  ^^^ 
wicMC97.     Enghsh  Negotiations  witutF^NaS:;:"^'-    ^"""f^i^" 

CHAPTER   IX. 

EARLY  HISTORY  CONTINUED. 

Council  at  Onondaga.    Council  at  A Ihamr  i  7nn     v     i-  ■    * 
at  Onondaga.     I^rl  Belo^ont'^^^S:?^  C^"  kI  .^1^°^' "  ^  T 
turn  and  Report.    View,  of  the  Five  Nations.     A  ^cl  Lnt t  ^h"^^^^^ 
Iroquo,s  join  Col.  Schuyler  in  an  Expedit.on  against     e  Fr  nch  17^0     rf 
cessful.    Aflairs  of  the  Five  Nuions   .,,,1  .i      ,,"' "^  '^'^«"'=''.  1 '09-    Unsuc- 
Gov.  Hunter  and  the  Fi.!:  N^C  ^        B  rneT"t:d'  'h"''"  '"''^"^• 
at  Oswego.     Extract  fro„.  the  Journal  of  Con    d  Weil^     S  ""T  ""'  ^T 
tions  Incorporated  with  the  Ironuois     f)no  J,  .  \.  ^''^'"'  ^*- 

liam  Johnson's  Journal.     Col.  Brad-Street  pn,1  cL  «i  •  >  .7  ""'" 

ui.  urdusirett  and  Gen.  Shirley  at  Oswego,  1775-76 


t  Relation  1655-6. 
,  and  their  Return 
le  Onoiidagas,  by 
Reception  of  Le 
t)e  Witt  Clinton's 
36Stol709.    126 


5I0NS. 

•    German  Mis- 

"d,  17tJG.    Rev. 

IC.    Missionary 

and  Onondaga, 

-      210 


[DENTALLY 


cient  and  Mod- 
rst  Intercourse 

•  His  Visit  to 
aldiers.     Early 

•  Jiivasion  of 
1-  Deputation 
i  witli  the  Five 
ns  of  the  Five 
wis.  Negoti- 
Ciidaga.  The 
Peace  of  R,ys- 

•    246 


Build  a  Fort 
Romer's  Re- 
tho  English. 
709.  Unsuo- 
ern  Indians. 
)se  and  Fort 
Several  Na- 
estern  Fron- 
•om  Sir  Wil- 
go,  1775-76 


■I 

s 


CONTENTS.  ix 

Loss  of  Oswego,  i-all  of  Quebec.  Peace.  Approach  of  the  Revolution. 
Course  Pursued  by  tiio  Indian  Nations  During  the  Revolution.  War  of  1S12. 
Present  Condition  of  the  Onondagas.         •■-....       286 

CHAPTER   X. 

REMINISCENCES. 

Aboriginal  Names.  E.\))o<Jition  of  Col.  Van  Schaick  against  the  Onondagas,  1779. 
Revolutionary  Incident,  1 7i0.  Biographical  Sketch  of  Ephraim  Webster.  Trea- 
ties with  tlie  Onondagiis.     Military  Tract.  ....         333 

CIIAPJ^ER   XI. 

ONONDAGA  COUNTY. 

Comfort  Tyler,  Esq.  Lessee  Coanpany.  Property  Line.  Burr  Conspiracy.  Organ- 
zation  of  Onondaga  County.  Roads.  General  View  of  the  County.  Organi- 
zation of  Courts.  .Tudges.  Surrogates.  Clerks.  Sherids.  Treasurers.  Mem- 
bers of  Congress,  Senators,  Members  of  Assembly.  First  Boards  of  Super- 
visors,     V'aJuatioiis,    Census,    Early  Military  Apiwintments,  365 

Q 


I 


i      !* 


ILLUSTRATIONS,  VOL.  I. 


Page 

Map  of  Onondaga  County  and  contiguous  territory. 

Portrait  of  the  Onondaga  Chief,  Ossahinta,  Fron- 
tispiece.   

Biographical  notice  of    do.         do.            do.     .         .        109 
Biograpical  notice  of  Epiiraim  "Webster,  Esq.,     .       .     887 
Biographical  notice  of  Col.  Comfort  Tyler,  with  por- 
trait,         866 


'i 


If        '1 

U      t' 


^v     ii 


INTRODUCTION. 


Peruaps  there  is  no  subject,  which  has  been  in  all  ages,  so 
much  a  labyrinth  of  perplexity  and  philosophical  speculation, 
as  the  continual  changes  that  are  going  on  in  respect  to  dif- 
ferent nations  and  races  of  men,  conquering  and  supplanting 
those  of  other  nations  and  other  climes.     Almost  from  the 
creation  of  m:in,  the  world  has  exhibited  these  changes ;  and 
none,  pcrhapt:,  in   the  whole  catologuc,  would  take  higher 
rank,  or  have  been  more  fruitful  of  consequences  than  the 
changes  wrought  on  the  continent  of  North  America.     Three 
hundred  and  sixty  years  ago,  America  had  no  place  or  name 
among  the  nations  of  the  civilized  world.     Three  hundred 
and  sixty  years  ago,  the  voice  of  the  white  man  had  not  been 
heard  in  this  land.     Since  then,  he  has  gradually  extended 
his  dominion  over  the  whole  of  our  wide-spread  country. 

Two  hundred  years  o.q-o,  the  voice  of  the  '' Blach  Mobes" 
was  first  heard  in  the  wilds  of  Onondaga :  before  them  was 
borne  the  bough  of  peace ;  their  only  ornaments  were  the  cowl 
and  cassock— their  only  arms,  the  cross  and  crosier.  Rude 
chapels  of  barks  and  brushwood  arose  at  their  desire,  and  the 
deep-toned  bell,  called  forth  their  untutored  proselytes,  to 
vespers,  mans  and  matins,  and  for  the  first  time  the  red  man 
utters  in  chaunts  and  songs,  and  hymns  cf  praise,  the  glories 
of  the  Redeemer. 

A  century  ago,  the  hills  which  surround  us  were  shaded 
with  lofty  trees  ;  bogs  and  swamps,  wore  more  extensive  then 
than  now ;  the  beaver  and  the  flood,  made  the  only  dams  that 
impeded  the  streams ;  the  trout,  pickerel,  and  salmon,  glided 
through  them  unmolested ;  the  hawk  and  eagle  towered  in 
their  pride  of  height,  far  above  the  lofiiest  crags ;  and  the 
partridge  and  turkey  whirred  low  amoi  .^    iic  trees.     The  fox 


I 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


•f  •• 


and  wild  door  roamed  in  perfect  froodom  tln-ougU  the  dark 
forest,  and  the  panther,  the  wolf  and  boar,  i,roAvlod  about  our 
hills,  unheeded  and  unharmed.  Tho  kingly  savage,  pure  and 
untanitcd  aa  the  Great  Spirit  formed  him,  swayed  his  mild 
sceptre  in  peace. 

A  change  comes  over  this  scene;  tho  rod  man  is  proscribed 
banished,  hunted  as  it  were  from  tho  home  of  his  fathers,  and 
IS  doomed  to  roam,  spirit  broken  and  disconsolate,  in  a  strange 
land,  beyond  tho  influences  of  civiliication,  and  his  degraded 
offspring  creep  here  and  there,  upon  the  soil,  where  onc'^o  their 
proud  ancestors  stalked  abroad  in  majesty  sublime..     His  hunt- 
ing grounds,  once  his  own  domain,  how  changed  !     Tho  white 
man  settles  on  them ;  farms  become  cultivated ;  the  hum  of 
business  is  heard;  settlements  soon  become  tho  depots  of 
produce ;  these  rapidly  increase  to  cities.     Tho  wilderness  is 
changed  to  busy  and  neat  villages,  redolent  witii  wealth  and 
comfort,  adorne<l  with  temples  for   Christiaai  worship,  and 
made  cheerful  by,  the  halls  of  scieuce.     Scarce  sixty  years 
have  rolled  around,  since  the  very  gromnl,  beneath  and  about 
us,  was  one  Avide,  unbroken  wilderness.     Mark  the  contrast 
now,-aU  around  wo  see,  hill  and  valley,  checkered  with  glado 
and  woodland,  beautified  witli  comfortable  dwellings,  rejoic- 
ing in  all  the  blessings  civilisation  can  bestow. 

There  is  probably  no  portion  of  the  United  States  whose 
Indigonal  annals  are  of  so  much  importance  as  those  of  Onon- 
daga, and  the  region  contiguous ;  and  strange  as  it  may  appear, 
the  history  of  this  important  country,  which  of  all  others  is 
the  most  interesting,  will  only  attract  tho  attention  it  demands 
in  the  remote  periods  of  future  ages.     Tho  records  of  memory 
are  fast  fading  away.     The  remnant  of  a  once  mighty  nation 
18  rapidly  disappearing.     Indian  tradition,  with  allks  Vivacity 
and  interest,  is  fearfully  becoming  extinct.     A  few  short  years 
and  nothing  new  can  possibly  be  gleaned. 

It  is  certain  that  the  French  traders  and  Jesuit  priests 
visited  Onondaga  as  early  as  im,  and  continued  their  labors 
among  the  natives  for  a  period  of  near  one  hund.-ed  years  as 
their  "Relations"  in  the  succeeding  pages  will  show       '   ' 


INTRODUCTION. 


XV 


The  Onondagas  are  by  them  described  as  a  powerful  nation, 
of  the  confederacy  of  the  Iroquois,  who  held  tlie  ascendency 
over  all  the  North  American  tribes,  and  with  their  colleagues 
could  furnish  over  three  thousand  warriors  for  the  field.  The 
Dutch,  through  their  traders  at  New-Amsterdam  and  Fort- 
Orange,  secured  a  profitable  traflic  with  the  natives — pushed 
boldly  into  their  country,  and  by  acts  of  moderation  and  kind- 
ness, won  their  confidence  and  esteem. 

A  new  era  succeeds — the  dynasty  of  the  Dutch  is  super- 
seded by  the  English ;  the  French  are  bereft  of  their  titles 
and  claims  to  any  portion  of  the  then  United  States  and 
Canada,  and  the  arms  of  Bri.aiii  are  Everywhere  triumphant. 
After  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution,  the  Onondagas, 
with  the  otlier  Indian  Nations,  by  the  treaty  of  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  in  1788,  become  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  New-York. 
Directly  after  this  commences  the  settlement  of  Onondaga 
County. 

We  shall  see  that  om*  beautiful  fields  were  first  purchased, 
by  the  services,  and  sufferings,  and  blood  of  our  fathers,  the 
soldiers  of  the  Revolution,  very  few  of  whom  now  linger  amono- 
us.  To  those  who  survive,  and  to  the  memory  of  those  who 
are  departed,  we  should  never  be  ungrateful. 

In  our  prosperity  let  us  never  forget  the  energy,  generosity 
and  privations  of  that  hardy,  industrious  race  of  pioneers,  to 
whose  enterprise  and  perseverance,  we  arc  mainly  indebted 
for  the  bountiful  blessings  we  so  richly  enjoy. 

Where  we  find  one  of  these  solitary  sojourners,  sliould  we 
not  make  smooth  his  path,  and  cherisli  his  momorv?  For 
only  here  and  there,  lingers  one  and  another,  like  an  arrod 
oak,  to  inform  us  where,  and  when,  the  forest  first  gave  wav, 
and  where,  was  the  red  man's  lonely  path. 


fam 


-f 


A: 


1^ 


'///     \\'<<s/un«jt(>n .        O'iO 


mmmmm 


i. 


ONONDAGA 


I 


CHAPTER  I. 

ORIOm  OF  THE  TKRM  1m,.M-NAV«,  or  n.PK.RKNT  TRIBES  ONCE  .NHAB.TINO  New 
Y0RK~P,VE  NaMonS-Orioin  op  the  CoNKEr.ERACV-Mo,IAWKS-ONElDAS- 
ONONDAOA»-CAYUGA..i-SKNECAS-GKNERAL  Re,,ARK3. 

In  commencing  our  reminiscences  of  Onondaga, we  are  met 
m  the  outset  by  a  people  who  from  time  immemorial  have  oc 
cupied  our  soil-a  nation  who  have  hitherto  held  a  conspicu- 
ous  place  and  an  important  position  among  the  aboriginal 
inhabitants  of  North  America.  Finding  thorn  .0,  it  is  but 
just  to  give  them  a  passing  notice. 

At  the  time  the  scheme  of  discovery  was  most  strongly  agi- 
tated  and  urged  by  Columbus,  it  was  supposed  that  by  sailing 
westward  from  Europe  he  would  arrive  at  the  eastern  coast  of 
India.     And  it  was  confidently  believed  even  at  the  period  of 
the  discovery  of  the  islands  and  continent  of  America,  that 
he  had  actua  ly  discovered  a  western  passage  to  the  continent 
ot  India.     Many  of  the  navigators  who  followed  Columbus 
were  of  the  same  erroneous  opinion.     Hence  it  was,  that  the 
people  of  America,  found  here  by  Europeans,  were  at  first 
"nproperly  ca  led  Indians.     The  truth  was  not  clearly  asce  ! 
tamed  until  the  name  had  been  so  long  in  use  that  it  could 
not  well  be  changed.    By  Americans,  the  term  is  seldom  used 
except  as  applying  to  the  aborigines  of  the  country.     But 
among  Europeans,  in  the  correspondence  between  peLns  of 
different  countries,  it  oftentimes  produces  confusion  and  incon- 
venience. 

When  the  first  Europeans  visited  this  continent,  thoy  ,.ere 
great  y  surprised  to  find  a  race  of  beings  so  entirely  different 
from  themselves,  m  complexion,  dress,  language,  manners,  and 
oode  of  hvmg.     Savage,  indeed,  in  many  respects,  they  ap- 


./f^?-?^ 


0^.,^^^ijjm:^M^\ 


.$■>•/<//■        lUiifioniUnii 


ONONDAGA  COUNTY  &  ADJACENT  TERRITORY 

DF.SKixtux  TO  .iryoA/r.W'v 

CLARK'S    HISTORY  OF  ONONDAGA 

ruhlishcd    l)v  Slodoinl^v    IuiIh-ocR  .  SN'racii.vt 


hil/i   1)/'  'S'urony  S-  Mtt/nr    //7  /''itZ/oii  <S'/.*(c  Jht-Ar 


O"  .Of 

wmmmm 


/,ofni,/n,.'r     /■,,..•/   \-    Ur./    /'rrUll     r<fS//hlrf/Off  ■ 


ilBillg^"**^ 


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OO' 


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40 


tl'.  rih/lfl 


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,i>       :■«!'    ;    f/ 


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l)KJ\l'VTRR 


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Eu; 


X 


CHENANGO 
LIXKLAEN 


CO.  I 


18 


ONONDAGA. 


peared  to  be — yet  the  kindest  hospitality,  from  the  purest 
motives,  was  always  most  readily  extended  to  their  foreign 
guests.  And  perhaps  would  forever  have  remained  unbroken 
the  golden  cord  of  friendship,  had  the  red  man  been  the  first 
to  try  his  strength  upon  it.  "  Welcome,  Englishmen;  tvel- 
come,  Englishmen,''  are  words  intimately  associated  with  early 
American  history.  These  were  the  first  accents  our  Pilgrim 
Fathers  heard  on  the  American  strand,  and  ever  have  the 
same  grateful  sounds  greeted  the  ears  of  the  whites,  upon  their 
first  interview  with  the  rude  sons  of  the  forest.  Had  the  dis- 
position of  the  aborigines  been  any  other  than  friendly,  the 
feeble  colonies  first  planted  on  American  soil  would  have  been 
speedily  annihilated. 

At  the  time  of  the  settlement  of  New- York  by  the  Dutch, 
in   1610,  there  were  in  their  immediate  vicinity,  numerous 
tribes  of  Indians  denominated  from  their  weakness  and  inferi- 
ority ^'■the  Bushes,"  by  their  more  powerful  neighbors  the 
Five  Nations.     As  many  as  thirteen  difierent  tribes,  all  of 
whom  are  now  extinct,  are  supposed  to  have  had  their  allotted 
territories  on  Long  Island,  and  exercised  exclusive  jurisdic- 
tion and  control  over  their  several  portions  of  domain.     They 
were  known  by  the  name  of  Canarsees,  Rockaways,  Merricks, 
Massapequas,   Mantinecocks,   Nassaquakes,  Setaukets,   Cor- 
chaugs,  Manhassets,  Secatogues,  Patchogues,  Shinecocks  and 
Montauks.     In  1786,  the  remnants  of  the  two  last  named 
tribes  took  up  their  abode  among  the  Oneidas,  whither  they 
had  been  invited.     The  Manhattoes  occupied  the  Island  of 
New- York.      The   Nyacks  inhabited  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Narrows  below  New- York,  and  about  Westchester  county. 
The  Moheakenunks  inhabited  a  large  portion  of  country,  from 
the  Nyacks  up  the  Hudson  near  to  Albany.      The  Scagh- 
takooks,  occupied  a  large  tract  of  country  north  of  Albany ; 
one  of  their  principal  villages  was  near  where  the  city  of  Troy  • 
now  stands.     Other  tribes  of  obscure  origin  and  inferior  note, 
undoubtedly  occupied  other  localities  within  the  state  of  New- 
York,  some  of  which  will  be  noted  in  their  proper  place. 
Many  of  these  Indian  tribes,  during  the  years  immediately  suo- 


1 


t 


—  ?^ 


INDIANS. 


om  the  purest 
y  their  foreign 
lined  unbroken 
1  been  the  first 
flishmen;  tcel- 
ated  Avith  early 
its  our  Pilgrim 
ever  have  the 
,tes,  upon  their 
Had  the  dis- 
a  friendly,  the 
ould  have  been 

by  the  Dutch, 
ity,  numerous 
ess  and  inferi- 
neighbors  the 

tribes,  all  of 
I  their  allotted 
usive  jurisdic- 
Dmain.  They 
ays,  Merricks, 
itaukets,  Cor- 
hinecocks  and 
0  last  named 
whither  they 
the  Island  of 
cinity  of  the 
ester  county, 
country,  from 

The  Scagh- 
li  of  Albany ; 
3  city  of  Troy  • 
inferior  note, 
itate  of  New- 
aroper  place, 
aediately  suo- 


19 


ceeding  the  arrival  of  tlio  first  colonists  among  them,  evinced 
a  hostile  disposition  towards  their  new  neighbors,  and  were 
contmual  sources  of  alarm  to  the  white  inhabitants;  never- 
theless, they  were  all  tributary,  and  otherwise  subject  to  the 
powerful  confederacy  of  the  "Five  Nations." 

These  distinguished  nations,  firmly  bound  and  concentrated 
m  one,  held  the  ascendency  over  all  the  North  American 
tribes.     Their  territory  proper  extended  from  Hudson's  river 
on  the  cast,  to  the  Niagara  on  the  west;  from  lake  Ontario 
on  the  north,  to  the  Alleghanies  on  the  south.     At  one  time 
their  actual  domain  extended  from  the  Sorel,  south  by  the 
great  lakes  to  the  Mississippi  west,  thence  east  to  the  Santee 
and  coastwise  back  to  the  Hudson.     They  occupied  a  wide- 
spread country,  comprising  a  greater  body  of  more  fertile 
lan<  ,  combined  with  a  temperate  and  healthy  climate,  greater 
facilities  for  water  communication,  not  only  within  their  own 
territory,  but  extending  from  it  in  all  directiona.  with  more  ex- 
tensive hunting  grounds  and  fisheries,  than  any  other  tract  of 
tlie  same  extent  in  the  world.     They  were  called  by  the  IVeiich 
''Iroquois,"  by  the  English  "  The  Cov federates;'  or  ''Five 
Nations;'  by  the  Dutch  "  Blaquas;'  and  by  themselves  "  Mi^i- 
!-/oes;'  meaning  by  all,  "  United  People:'     The  Eno-lish  re- 
tained the  name  Maquas  for  the  Mohawks,  for  a  lo'ncr  time 
after  the  Dutch  had  relinquished  the  country.     The*' name 
Iroquois,  according  to  Charlevoix,  is  purely  French  *  and  is 
.lerivedfrom"^zVo,"  signifying  I  have  said  it-answering  to 
the  Latin  dixit~^ccox,\mg  to  the  words  most  frequently  made 


*  Le  nomdiroqnois  e.si  purement  Frangois,  et  a  ^te  forme  du  terme  Hiro 
ou  Hero  q,u  .gn,fie  I'ai  dit :  et  par  quel  ces  sauvages  finissent  lous  leurs  discours' 
cor.n.e  le,s  Lat.n.s  fa.soient  autrefois  par  leur  Dixi ;  et  do  Koue.  qui  est  un  cr 
antot  de  tr.tesso,  lor.quW  le  prononce  e„  trainar...  et  tantot  de  jove,  quand  o^ 
ie  prononce  plus  court.  Leur  no,,  propre  est  Agonnonsionni,  qui  veu;  dire  fZ 
eurs  de  Cabannes;  parce  qu'ils  les  batissent  beaucoup  plus  solides,  que  la  pld- 
part  des  autres  sauvages."— Charlevoix,  I.  270—1  .  4  pm 

"Ces  barbares  ne  sont  qu'uue  seule  nation,  et  qu'un  seul  interet  public.  On 
pourrou  les  nommer  pour  la  distribution  du  terrain,  les  Suisses  de  ce  continent 
Les  Iroquo.s  sont  partager  en  cinq  cantons,  sgavcr  les  Tsonontouans,  les  Goyo 
goans,  les  Onnotagues,  les  Onoyouts  et  les  Agnies."-Lahontan  T  35  ^ 


20 


ONONDAGA. 


1  = 


uae  of  at  the  close  of  all  Indian  speeches,  and  "  Koue"  a 
term  denoting  sadness  when  spoken  slowly,  and  joy  when 
spoken  rapidly. 

The  term  Aquinuschioni,  according  to  the  same  author,  is 
translated  ^' Faiseurs  de  Cabannes,"  or  Makers  of  Cabins  or 
Wigwams,  which  they  supposed  they  themselves  built  stronger 
than  any  other  people.  Another  name  by  which  they  always 
boastfully  termed  themselves,  was  Ongwe  Honwe,  signifying 
SI  people  surpassing  all  others.  As  the  term  Aquinuschioni 
is  usually  accepted,  it  means  the  people  of  the  long  cabin  or 
long  house,  but  when  used  in  a  national  sense  it  means  a  Uni- 
ted People.  The  limits  of  this  imaginary  house,  was  of  the 
same  area  as  their  territory  proper,  and  may  be  considered 
the  broadest,  longest  and  highest  cabin  as  yet  erected  by 
human  hands. 

At  what  period  or  for  what  purpose  this  league  was  origi- 
nally formed,  is  a  matter  wholly  speculative,  as  the  records 
of  history  and  Indian  tradition  arc  alike  uncertain,  and  throw 
but  feeble  light  upon  the  subject.  It  is  supposed,  however, 
that  anciently,  they  wei-c  separate  and  independent  nations  ; 
and  probably  warred  with  an  equal  relish  upon  each  other  as 
upon  their  neighbors,  and  perhaps  finally  united  themselves 
for  purposes  of  greater  strength  and  security,  thereby  enlarg- 
ing their  power  and  importance  at  home,  enabling  them  to 
prosecute  more  vigorously  their  conquests  abroad.  Common 
danger  or  a  desire  for  conquest  were  the  motives,  rather  than 
a  far-seeing  policy,  which  must  have  actuated  these  people  to 
form  a  league  of  consolidation. 

By  some  authors  the  time  of  the  foi-mation  of  the  great 
league  of  confederation,  was  about  the  life  of  one  man  before 
the  Dutch  landed  at  New- York.  By  others,  about  an  hun- 
dred years  before  that  period.  Webster,  the  Onondaga  inter- 
preter, and  good  authority,  states  it  at  about  two  generations 
before  the  white  people  came  to  trade  with  the  Indians.  But 
from  the  permanency  of  tlieir  institutions,  tlie  peculiar  struc- 
ture of  their  government,  the  intricacy  of  their  civil  affairs, 
the  stability  of  their  religious  beliefs  and  the  imiformity  of 


I 


I 


INDIANS, 


nd  "JTowe/'a 
and  joy  when 

lame  author,  is 
8  of  Cabins  or 
!  built  stronger 
ch  thoy  always 
iwe,  signifying 
Aquinuschioni 
;  long  cabin  or 

means  a  Uni- 
sc,  was  of  the 

be  considered 
et  erected  by 

gue  was  origi- 
.3  tlio  records 
lin,  and  throw 
)sed,  however, 
ident  nations ; 
each  other  as 
ed  themselves 
lereby  enlarg- 
bling  them  to 
id.  Common 
s,  rather  than 
lese  people  to 

of  the  great 
te  man  before 
bout  an  hun- 
londaga  inter- 
0  generations 
ndians.  But 
»eculiar  struc- 
*  civil  affairs, 
miformity  of 


21 


their  pagan  ceremonies,  differing  from  other  Indian  nations 
in  important  particulars,  we  are  inclined  to  the  opinion  that 
their  federative  existence  must  have  had  a  much  longer  dura- 
tion. And  from  the  following  tradition,  we  are  inclined  to 
the  opinion,  that  the  period  is  unknown,  and  the  time  lost,  in 
the  clouded  uncertainties  of  the  past. 

Hundreds  of  years  ago,  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  the  Deity  who  pre- 
sides over  fisheries  and  streams,  came  down  from  his  dwelling 
place  in  the  clouds  to  visit  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth.     He 
had  been  deputed  by  the  Great  and  Good  Spirit  Ha-wah-ne-u, 
to  visit  the  streams  and  clear  the  channels  from  all  obstruc- 
tions, to  seek  out  the  good  things  of,  the  country  through 
which  he  intended  to  pass,  that  they  might  be  more  generally 
disseminated  among  all  the  good  people  of  the  earth,  especial- 
ly to  point  out  to  them  the  most  excellent  fishing  grounds,  and 
to  bestow  upon  them  other  acceptable  gifts.     About  this  time 
two  young  men  of  the  Onondaga  Nation  were  listlessly  gazing 
over  the  calm  blue  waters  of  the  "  Lake  of  a  Thousand  Isles." 
During  their  revery,  they  espied,  as  they  thought,  far  in  the 
distance,  a  single  white  speck,  beautifully  dancing  over  the 
bright  blue  waters— and  while  they  watched  the  object  with 
the  most  intense  anxiety,  it  seemed  to  increase  in  magnitude, 
and  moved  as  if  approaching  the  place  where  they  were  con- 
cealed, most  anxiously  awaiting  the  event  of  the  visitation  of 
so  singular  an  object,  for  at  this  time  no  canoes  had  ever 
made  their  appearance  in  the  direction  from  whence  this  was 
approaching.     As  the  object  neared  the  shore,  it  proved  in 
semblance  to  be  a  venerable  looking  man,  calmly  seated  in  a 
canoe  of  pure  white,  very  curiously  constructed,  and  much 
more  ingeniously  wrought  than  those  in  use  among  the  tribes 
of  the  country.     Like  a  cygnet  upon  the  wide  blue  sea,  so 
sat  the  canoe  of  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  upon  the  "  Lake  of  a  Thou- 
sand Isles."     As  the  frail  branch  drifts  towards  the  rushing 
cataract,  so  coursed  the  wMte  canoe  over  the  rippling  waters, 
propelled  by  the  strong  arm  of  the  god  of  the  river.     Deep 
thought  sat  upon  the  brow  of  the  grey-haired  mariner ;  pene- 
tration marked  his  eye,  and  deep,  dark  mystery  pervaded  his 


22 


ONONDAGA. 


,iv' 

m 


countenance.  With  a  single  oar  he  silently  paddled  his  light- 
trimmed  bark  along  the  shore,  as  if  seeking  a  commodious 
haven  for  rest.  He  soon  turned  the  prow  of  his  fragile  vessel 
into  the  estuary  of  the  ^'double  river,"  and  made  fast  to  the 
western  shore.  He  majestically  ascended  the  steep  bank,  nor 
stopped  till  he  had  gained  the  loftiest  summit  of  the  western 
hill.  Then  silently  gazing  around  as  if  to  examine  the  coun- 
try, he  became  enchanted  with  the  view;  when,  drawing  his 
stately  form  to  its  utmost  height,  he  exclaimed  in  accents  of 
the  wildest  enthusiasm,  Osh-wah-kee  ! !  Osh-wah-kee  !•'  * 

During  the  observations  of  the  spirit-man,  (for  so'  he  was 
afterwards  called,)  the  two  men  who  had  lain  concealed,  cau- 
tiously Avatching  all  his  movements,  discovered  themselves, 
la-oun-ya-wat-ha  very  civilly  approached  them,  and  after  the 
greetings  usual  at  the  first  meeting  of  strangers,  very  gravely' 
made  inquiries  of  them  respecting  their  country  and  its  advan- 
tages, of  their  fisheries  and  hunting  grounds,  and  of  the  im- 
pediments in  the  way  of  the  prosperity  of  the  nations  round 
about.     To  all  of  which  the  hunters,  (for  so  they  were,)  could 
give  no  very  favorable  answers,  but  briefly  stated  to  him  the 
disadvantages  they  had  ever  been  doomed  to  labor  under,  and 
the  sufferings  they  had  borne  in  consequence. 

A  degree  of  familiarity  and  mutual  confidence  had  by  this 
time  become  awakened  in  the  bosoms  of  the  parties,  and  the 
greatest  freedom  of  conversation  proceeded  without  restraint. 
The  hunters  provided  for  their  venerable  guest  a  repast  of 
roast  venison,  who  received  it  in  thankfulness;  they  smoked 
the  calumet  together  and  were  refreshed. 

Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  disclosed  to  the  hunters  the  spirituality 
of  his  character  and  the  object  of  his  mission,  after  whiHl 
he  mvited  them  to  proceed  with  him  up  the  river,  as  he  M 


*  It  is  known,  perhaps,  to  comparatively  few,  that  Lake  Ontario  and  the  outlet 
of  Oswego  nver  was  anciently,  and  is  now  known  to  most  Indian  nations  e" 'e 
cially  the  remnant  of  the  Five  Nations,  as  the  Osh-wah-kee  wh.Vh  h  .'    ^ 

ted  hterally,  signifies  from  the  circun.stance  here   Itedl^/ 1  ''^'"^""'-P-; 
see  ,....,.    From  this  our  English  name  for  theUtoswe^irSvI  ^"' 


"  ■■-rr^:;i 


1 


INDIANS, 


23 


)addled  his  light- 
?  a  commodious 
his  fragile  vessel 
nado  fast  to  the 
steep  bank,  nor 
i  of  the  western 
amine  the  coun- 
len,  drawing  his 
d  in  accents  of 
ah-kee  !■ !  * 

(for  so  ho  was 
concealed,  cau- 
•ed  themselves. 
1,  and  after  the. 
•s,  very  gravely 
'  and  its  advan- 
and  of  the  im- 

nations  round 
sy  were,)  could 
ted  to  him  the 
bor  under,  and 

ce  had  by  this 
arties,  and  the 
hout  restraint. 
St  a  repast  of 
;  they  smoked 

lie  spirituality 
,  after  wliicli, 
ver,  as  ho  luul 


irio  and  the  outlet 
lian  nations,  espe- 
ch  being  inlerpre- 
!ee  evety  where  and 
;o  is  derived. 


important  business  to  transact,  and  should  need  their  services. 
After  a  moment's  consultation  together,  the  hunters  consented 
to  accompany  him,  and  forthwith  joyfully  attended  him  to  his 
canoe. 

Of  the  events  which  immediately  succeeded,  we  have  not 
now  time  or  disposition  to  speak,  only  that  many  of  them 
were  truly  marvellous,  and  worthy  a  place  only  in  the  pages 
of  Indian  Mythology. 

From  this,  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  ascended  all  the  lesser  lakes 
and  explored  their  shores,  placing  all  things  in  proper  order, 
for  the  comfort  and  sustenance  of  all  good  men.     He  had 
taught  the  people  of  the  various  tribes  the  art  of  raising  corn 
and  beans,  which  had  not  before  been  cultivated  among  them. 
He  also  encouraged  them  to  a  more  faithful  observance  of  the 
laws  of  the  Great  and  Good  Spirit.    He  had  made  the  fishing 
grounds  free,  and  opened  to  all  the  uninterrupted  pursuit  of 
game.    He  had  distributed  liberally  among  mankind  the  fruits 
of  the  earth,  and  had  removed  all  obstructions  from  the  navi- 
gable streams. 
Pleased  with  the  success  of  his  undertakings,  the  spirit-man 
-  now  resolved  to  lay  aside  his  divine  character,  and  in  after 
years  to  make  his  abode  among  the  children  of  men.     He 
accordingly  selected  for  his  residence  a  beautiful  spot  on  the 
shore  of  the  Cross  Lake,  (Te-ungk-too,  as  called  by  the  Na- 
tives).   After  awhile,  he  totally  relinquished  his  divine  title  of 
Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  and  in  all  respects  assumed  the  character 
and  habits  of  a  man.     Nevertheless,  he  was  always  looked  up 
to  as  an  extraordinary  individual,  as  one  possessing  transcend^ 
ent  powers  of  mind  and  consummate  wisdom.    The  name  Hi-a- 
wat-ha,  (signifying  very  wise  man)  was  spontaneously  awarded 
him,  by  the  whole  mass  of  people  who  now  resorted  to  him 
from  all  quarters  for  advice  and  instruction.    The  companions 
of  the  spirit-man,  at  a  subsequent  council,  were  rewarded  by  a 
seat  in  the  councils  of  their  countrymen,  and  became  eminently 
distinguished  for  their  prowess  in  war  and  dignified  bearing 
in  the  council  room. 

After  a  quiet  residence  of  a  few  years  at  his  new  location. 


24 


ONONDAGA. 


1 


the  country  became  greatly  alarmed,  by  the  sudden  approach 
of  a  ferocious  band  of  warriors,  from  north  of  the  great  lakes. 
As  they  advanced,  indiscriminate  slaughter  was  made,  of  men, 
women  and  children.  Many  had  been  slain  and  ultimate  de- 
struction  seemed  to  be  the  consequence,  either  of  bold  resist- 
ance, or  of  a  quiet  relinquishment  of  absolute  right. 

During  this  signal  agitation  of  the  public  mind,  people  from 
all  quarters  thronged  the  dwelling  place  of  Hi-a-wat-ha,  for 
advice  m  this  trying  emergency.     After  a  deep  and  thoughtful 
contemplation  of  the  momentous  subject,  he  informed  the  prin- 
cipal chiefs  that  his  opinion  was,  to  call  a  grand  council  of  all 
the  tnbes  that  could  be  gathered  from  the  east  and  from  the 
west,  that  the  advice  of  all  might  be  received;  "for"  said  he 
"  our  safety  is  in  good  counsel,and  speedy,  energetic  action." 
Accordingly,  runners  were  dispatched  in  all  directions,  noti- 
fying the  head  men,  of  a  grand  council  to  be  held  on  the 
banks  of  the  lake  Oh-nen-ta-ha. 

This  council  is  supposed  to  have  been  held  on  the  high 
ground  where  the  village  of  Liverpool  now  stands.  In  due 
time  the  chiefs  and  warriors  from  far  and  near  were  assem- 
bled, with  great  numbers  of  men,  women  and  children,  to  hold 
this  important  council,  and  to  devise  means  for  the  general 
safety.  All  the  principal  men  had  arrived,  except  the  vene- 
rable Hi-a-wat-ha. 

The  council-fire  had  been  kindled  three  days,  and  he  had 
not  yet  arrived.  IVIessengers  were  dispatched,  who  found 
him  m  a  most  melancholy  state  of  mind.  He  told  them  that 
evil  lay  in  his  path ;  that  he  had  a  fearful  foreboding  of  ill- 
fortune,  and  that  he  had  concluded  not  to  attend  the  great 
council  at  Oh-nen-ta-ha.  But,  said  the  messengers,  we  have 
delayed  the  deliberations  of  the  grand  council  on  account  of 
your  absence,  and  the  chiefs  have  resolved  not  to  proceed  to 
business,  until  your  arrival. 

The  White  Canoe  had  always  been  held  as  a  sacred  treasure, 
and  next  to  the  wise  man  himself,  was  regarded  with  awe  and 
reverence.  li  had  been  deposited  in  a  lodge,  erected  especial- 
ly  for  its  security,  to  which  none  but  the  most  worthy  and  noted 


r< 


v5 


■—,::.Zi^ 


t 


INDIANS. 


25 


dden  approach 
he  great  lakes, 
made,  of  men, 
d  ultimate  de- 
of  bold  resist- 
■ight. 

d,  people  from 
i-a-wat-ha,  for 
md  thoughtful 
rmed  the  prin- 
council  of  all 
and  from  the 
"for"  said  he 
getic  action." 
-ections,  noti- 
held  on  the 

i  on  the  high 
ids.  In  due 
'  were  assem- 
dren,  to  hold 
'  the  general 
;pt  the  vene- 

and  he  had 
,  who  found 
Id  them  that 
oding  of  ill- 
id  the  great 
ers,  we  have 
I  account  of 
>  proceed  to 

ed  treasure, 
ith  awe  and 
ed  especial- 
y  and  noted 


of  the  chieftains  could  have  access.  Hither  on  tliis  occa- 
sion Hi-a-wat-ha  repaired,  and  in  the  most  devout  and  humil- 
iating manner,  poured  out  his  soul  in  silence  to  the  Great 
Spirit.  After  a  protracted  absence,  he  returned  with  a  coun- 
tenance beaming  with  confidence  and  hope.  Being  over  per- 
suaded by  his  friends,  he  reluctantly  yielded  to  their  ear- 
nest solicitations.  The  White  Canoe  was  carefully  removed 
from  its  sacred  resting  place,  and  reverently  launched  upon  the 
bosom  of  the  river.  The  wise  man,  once  again  took  his  accus- 
tomed seat,  and  bade  his  darling  and  only  daughter  (a  girl  of 
some  twelve  years  of  age)  to  accom^jany  him.  She  unhesita- 
tingly obeyed,  took  her  place  beside  her  venerable  parent  in 
the  devoted  vessel,  and  directly,  they  made  all  possible  speed 
to  the  grand  council  ground. 

On  the  approach  of  the  aged  and  venerable  Hi-a-wat-ha,  a 
general  shout  of  joy  resounded  throughout  the  assembled 
host,  and  every  demonstration  of  respect,  Avas  paid  to  this 
illustrious  sage  and  counsellor.  As  ho  landed  and  was  pass- 
ing up  the  steep  bank  towards  the  council  ground,  a  loud 
sound  was  heard,  like  a  rushing  and  mighty  wind.  All  eyes 
were  instantly  turned  upwards,  and  a  dark  spot  was  discover- 
ed rapidly  descending  from  on  high  among  the  clouds.  It 
groAv  larger  and  larger  as  it  neared  the  earth,  and  was  de- 
scending with  fearful  velocity  into  their  very  midst.  Terror 
and  alarm  seized  every  breast,  and  every  individual  seemed 
anxious  only  for  his  own  safety.  The  utmost  confusion  pre- 
vailed throughout  the  assembled  multitude,  and  all  but  the 
venerable  Hi-a-wat-ha,  sought  safety  by  flight.  He  gravely 
uncovered  his  silvered  head,  and  besought  his  daughter,  to 
await  the  approaching  danger  with  becoming  resignation;  at 
the  same  time  reminding  her  of  the  great  folly  and  impropriety 
of  attempting  to  obstruct  or  prevent  the  designs  or  wishes  of 
the  Great  Spirit.  "If,"  said  he,  "He  has  determined  our 
destruction,  we  shall  not  escape  by  removal,  nor  evade  his 
decrees."  She  modestly  acquiesced  in  her  kind  parent's  sug- 
gestions and  advice,  and  with  the  most  patient  submission  wait- 
ed the  coming  event.     All  this  was  but  the  work  of  an  instant ; 


26 


ONONDAGA. 


for  no  sooner  had  the  resolution  of  the  wise  man  become  fixed 
and  h.  last  words  uttered,  than  an  immense  bird,  vi la  W 
and  pon.ted  beak,  with  wide  extended  wings,  eame  d     n  w"h 

vvitli  such  toice  did  the  monster  fall,  and  so  great  was  the 
ommotion  o    the  air,  that  when  it  Struck  th!  ^oZ    1 
^vhol.  assembly  were  forced  violently  back  severah-or  '  H^ 
ajat-ha  alone  remained  unmoved  and  silently  witnessed  the 
mdancholy  catastrophe  of  his  child's  dissolution. 

H,s  darlmg  daughter  had  been  killed  before  his  eyes  in  a 
marvellous  manner,  and  her  destrov<>v  '     i        •  .    i     •  7 
TI.o  ,i;  1  .  atstioytT  liad  perished  with  her 

e™.;::;;  ■;':'; "  'r''i "/ '«^''°'  -""-^  *'' » 

ereiy  ,i.,n,o    as  J,e  a,lvancc,l,  ,,luclc«l  a  ,,l„,„e  f,.„„,  ,|,i  ,;,, 

fn ;;;:;;' ;,,:;  ""'V-: "''"'™''  '-^  "'■'™  ■•  -i «-  ^ 

indent,  (he  Ij raves  of  the  cenfe.lerate  nations  forever  after 
made  cl.o.ce  of  the  ,,)„,„„»  of  the  white  heron  as  t  e     mZ 
-P      -nate  „„litar,  ornament,  while  „„„„  the  war""        "' 
Upon  the  ren,oval  of  the  oareass  of  the  monster, 'th    body 
of  the  „,„o«„t  g,rl  was  found  to  he  eompletely  ground  to 
atoms     .Nothmg  could  be  seen  of  her,  thit  would  inTca 
1.0  had  ever    een  a  human  being.     At  this  appearan      tt 
bereaved  and  d.seonsolate  parent  gave  himself  up  to  th  los 
potgnant  sorrow.     Hollow  moans  and  distre.«i„l    ..ief  to, 
too  plaudy  the  bitte™e.ss  of  hi.,  heart.     He  spnr.L?     1  'p  „" 
fora  of  consolatton  and  yielded  to  the  kee,>est  feelings  of  at 
guish  and  unbounded  sorrow. 

He  became  an  object  of  perfect  despair,  and  threw  himself 
down  upon  lus  face  to  the  earth,  dejected  and  diseonso 
Th    shatered  fragments  of  the  innocent  girl  were  carefully 
gathered   ogether,  and  interred  in  all  the  tenderness  and    ! 
emn,  y  of  b.tter  grief.     Every  one  seemed  to  partieipateta 
the  affl,et,o„s  ef  the  aged  and  venerable  counsellor,  and  to  sym 
pathtze  m  h,s  sufferings  and  woe.    Still,  no  com  or  tc™  " 


INDIANS. 


27 


n  become  fixed 
I'd,  with  a  long 
line  down  with 
1  to  tlie  eartli. 
!,'reat  was  the 
e  ground,  the 
I'ul  rods.     Hi- 
witnessed  the 
1. 

his  eyes  in  a 
hed  with  lier. 

the  spot  and 
I  upon  exauii- 
letely  buried 

ground.     It 
y  white,  and 
"rom  this  sin- 
nd  from  this 
^orever  after 
s  their  most 
ir-path. 
?r,  the  body 
'  ground  to 
ild  indicate 
^arance,  the 
to  the  most 

grief,  tohl 
5d  ail  prof. 
ings  of  an- 

3W  liimself 
sconsolate. 
3  carefully 
!ss  and  so- 
ticipate  in 
id  to  sym- 
t  came  to 


his  soul.  lie  rem'-incd  in  this  prostrate  situation  three  whole 
days  and  nights  ui  moved.  The  fears  of  the  assembled  chiefs 
were  awakened  lest  ho  might  become  a  willing  victim  to  his 
own  melancholy  and  misfortune.  Nothing  had  been  done  as 
yet,  in  the  Council,  and  such  had  been  the  causes  of  delay 
that  many  began  to  despair  of  accomplishing  any  thing  of 
consequence.  Some  even  thought  seriously  of  returning  to 
their  homes  without  an  eflbrt.  At  length  a  few  of  the  leading 
chiefs  consulted  together,  as  to  what  course  it  was  most  expedi- 
ent to  pursue.  It  was  at  once  resolved,  that  nothing  should  bo 
attempted,  without  the  voice  of  the  wise  man  could  bo  heard. 
A  suitable  person  was  thereupon  dispatched  to  ascertain 
whether  he  breathed.  Jlejjort  ennie  that  he  was  yet  alive. 
A  kind  hearted,  merry  chief,  named  Ilo-see-noke,  was  directed 
by  the  council  to  make  to  the  prostrate  mourner  a  comforting 
speech,  to  whisper  kind  words  in  his  ear,  and  if  possible  arouse 
him  from  his  revery. 

xYfter  a  deal  of  formal  ceremony  and  persuasion,  he  gradu- 
ally recovered  from  his  stupor  and  conversed.  After  several 
messages  had  passed  between  the  assembled  chiefs  and  Ili-a- 
wat-ha,  he  arose  and  manifested  a  desire  for  food.  He  ate 
and  drank  of  such  as  was  hastily  prejiared  for  him,  and  ac- 
knowledged himself  strengthened  and  refreshed. 

lie  was  conducted  to  the  presence  of  the  council,  a  con- 
spicuous place  was  assigned  him,  and  all  eyes  were  turned 
towards  the  only  man  who  could  with  precision  foretell  their 
future  destiny.  The  subject  of  the  invasion  was  discussed  by 
several  of  the  ablest  counsellors  and  boldest  warrio)-s.  A^ari- 
ous  schemes  were  proposed  for  the  repulsion  of  the  enemy. 
Ili-a-wat-ha  listened  in  silence  till  the  speeches  of  all  were 
concluded.  His  opinion  Avas  gravely  and  earnestly  sought  by 
many  of  the  surrounding  chiefs. 

After  a  brief  reference  to  the  calamity  which  had  so  re- 
cently befollen  him,  the  wise  man  said  :— "  This  is  a  subject 
that  requires  mature  reflection  and  deliberation.  It  is  not 
fitting  that  one  of  so  much  importance  should  be  treated 
lightly,  or  that  our  decision  should  be  hasty  and  inconsider- 


k 


28 


ONONDAGA, 


■  (! 


»tc.     I,ot  m  postpone  our  .leliboratiorw  for  ono  day  that  » 

,.„,]  ""  ^  "">  confii  ent  will  succeed 

and  ensure  our  safety."  ouwtea, 

After  another  day's  deh.y,  the  council  again  assembled  and 
1  were  anx.ous  to  hear  the  words  of  Hi-a-^vat-ha.  7b ith 

«<.  ™.ous.  voutr;-:eT::::yr;^^^^^ 

chs  anee  from  your  homes,     ^V.  bave  eonv'e nod  C  one  com 
men  purpose,  to  promote  ono  cou,mon  interest  ,nd  tZ     7 
provule  for  our  mutual  safety,  and  bow  i  si  ■!  11  b'  M 
Plished,     To  oppose  these  ifo'rdes  „  ft      ■!  t  tT" 

tun  wiaKC  no  nrfXTiviuu  in  +i.r.<.  ' 

into  on.  .      P^''^^^^'^   '^  tliat  way;  wo  must  unite  ourselves 
into  ono  common  bant    of  brothoiN      On,.  • 

wouM  surely  repel  these  vJ^       ^  '''"''  ""'*«^^' 

"ur  borders      'n,i  ,'''']'  '''''''^'''  '>"<l  ^^nve  them  from 

You     t      AT         ?         '  ^^'"'  ''^"^^  ^^'^  «^^^"  be  safe. 

i  ou-the  Mohawks,  sittin  .  un.Ier  the  shadow  of  the  -  Great 
T^ee     whose  rootB  sink  deep  into  the  earth  and  whose  branZ 
•spread  over  a  vast  country;  shall  be  the  first  IT    7 
vou  are  warlike  and  mi^lit;  ''''"'  ^'''''''' 

^Zi::^C^:r:^ '-''  '-''''^  ^-'-  ^-^-^  ^^-st 

f  ".      "W'^'"'"'    that  cannot  be  moved  shnll  1?„  »l,„ 
second  nation,  because  you  give  wise  counsel!     '  °  "'" 

••e™VT;:«°:v*'"^^^^^^ """  '-r  ^»""  ''^''■'«- »'  «>o 

na.o„  ;  b  of  your  .-perior^cunniVin  i™4    '°""' 

^>.'  Xsir:;:  :£'rr ;:  f  7r  '- 

because  you  understand  bett  r  ^h    art  of        •         "'"""" 
beans,  and  making  cabins.  °^  '""''"S  '^""  ""'» 


Hi. 


—  ^■^>:^ 


INDIANS. 


29 


•no  day,  that  we 
nd  warriors  who 
{on  my  phm  for 
nt  will  succeed, 

assembled,  and 
•ha.    A  breath- 
er began  ; 
of  many  tribes 
f  you,  a  great 
d  for  one  com- 
and  that  is  to 
host  be  accom- 
focH  by  tribes, 
struction  ;  wo 
mite  ourselves 
rriors  united, 
ve  them  from 
'0  safe. 

)f  the  "  Great 
hose  branches 
tion,  because 

•odies  against 
shall  be  the 

ition  at  the 

crags,  shall 

!d  in  speech, 

'  the  fourth 
ting. 

Open  Conn- 
fth  nation; 
I  corn  and 


You,  Five  great  and  powerful  nations,  must  unite  and  have 
but  one  common  interest,  and  no  foe  shall  be  able  to  disturb 
or  subdue  you. 

And  you — Manhattoea,  Ni/acks,  Montauks  and  others,  who 
are  as  the  feeble  ^^  Bushes";  and  you,  Narafjansetts,  Mohe- 
f/ans,  Wampanoags  and  your  neighbors  who  are  a  ^^  Fishing 
People"  may  place  yourselves  under  our  protection.  Be  with 
us  and  we  will  defend  you.  You  of  the  South,  and  you  of 
the  West,  may  do  the  same,  and  we  will  protect  you.  We 
earnestly  dosire  your  alliance  and  friendship. 

Hrothers — if  we  unite  in  this  bond,  the  (jreat  Spirit  will 
smile  upon  us,  and  we  shall  l)e  free,  prosperous  and  happy. 
But  if  we  rcuuiin  as  we  are,  we  shall  be  subject  "to  his  frown  ; 
we  shall   be  enslaved,    ruined,   perhaps  annihilated   forever. 
We  shall  perish  and  our  names  be  blotted  out  from  among 
the  nations  of  men.     Brothers  ;  these  are  the  words  of  lli-a- 
wat-ha — let  them  sink  deep  into  your  hearts — 1  have  said  it." 
A  long  silence  ensued,  the  words  of  the  wise  man   had 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  minds  of  all.     They  unani- 
mously declared  the  subject  too  weighty  for  immediate  deci- 
sion.    Let  us,  said  the  brave  warriors  and  chiefs,  adjourn  the 
Council  for  one  day,  and  then  we  will  respond.     On  the  mor- 
row, the  Council  agiiin  assembled.     After  due  deliberation, 
the  speech  of  the  wise  man  was  declared  to  be  good  and  wor- 
thy of  adoption. 

Immediately  upon  this  was  formed  the  celebrated  Aquinus- 
cliioni  or  Amphictyonic  league  of  the  great  confederacy  of 
Five  Nations,  which  to  this  day  remains  in  full  force. 

After  the  business  of  the  great  Council  had  been  brought 
to  a  close,  and  the  assembly  were  on  the  eve  of  separation, 
lli-a-wat-ha  arose  in  a  dignified  manner,  and  said  : 

'^  Friends  and  Brothers :— I  have  now  fulfilled  my  mission 
upon  earth,  I  have  done  every  thing  which  can  be  done  at  pre- 
sent for  the  good  of  this  great  people.  Age,  infirmity  and 
distress,  sit  heavy  upon  me.  During  my  sojourn  Avith  you,  I 
have  removed  all  obstructions  from  the  streams.  Canoes  can 
now  pass  safely  everywhere.     I  have  given  you  good  fishing 


80 


ONONDAGA 


waters  an.l  good  Iniufm^  ^rrourwls.  1  luivo  tau^M.t  you  the 
tuanner  of  cultivntin^r  ,orn  and  beans  an<l  IvnvuM  you  the 
art  of  maki,,;,^  cal.i,.s.  Many  other  blessings  I  have  liberally 
bestowed  u|)on  you. 

Lastly    I  have  now  assisted  you  to  form  an  ovorlastin-r 
loajrne  and  covenant  of  stren^^^th  and  friendship  for  your  future 
safety  and  protection.     If  you  preserve  it,  without  the  adnuH- 
Hion  of  other  people,  you  will  ,.lw;,ys  be  free,  nunuM-ous  and 
m^Uty.  ^  Jf  other  nations  are  admitted  to  your  councils,  they 
wdl  sow  jealousies  amon^^  yo.,,  and  you  will  become  enslave.l 
few  and  feeble.     Kemember  these  words,  they  are  the  lust 
you  wdl  he^tr  from  the  lips  of  lli-a-wat-ha.    Listen  my  friends, 
the  Great  Master-of-Breath,  calls  me  to  go.     I  have  patientl^ 
waited  his  summons.     I  am  ready  ;  farewell." 

As  the  wise  man  closed  his  sjieeeh,  there  burst  upon  the 
ears  of  the  assembled  multitude,  the  cheerful  .soun.ls  of  myri- 
ads  of  the  most  delightful  singing  voices.     The  whole  sky 
seemed  filled  with  the  sweetest  melody  of  celestial  music  ;  and 
Heaven's  high  arch,  echoed  and  re-echoed  the  touching  strains 
till  the  whole  vast  assembly  were  completely  absorbed  in  rap' 
turous  ecstacy.     Amidst   the  general  confusion  which   now 
prevailed,  and  wlule  all  eyes  were  turned  towards  the  ethereal 
regions,  lli-a-wat-ha  was  seen  majestically  seated  in  his  white 
canoe,  gracefully  rising  higher  and  higher  above  their  heads 
through  the  a.r,  until  he  became  entirely  lost  from  the  view 
of  the  asseml)led  throngs,  who  witnessed  his  wonderful  ascent 
m  mute  and  admiring   astonishment— while  the  fascinating 
music  gradually  became  more  plaintive  and  low,  and  finally'' 
It  sweetly  expired  in  the  softest  tones  upon  their  ears,  as  the' 
wise  man  Ili-a-wat-ha,  the  godlike  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  retired 
from  their  sight,  and  quietly  entered  the  mysterious  re^rions 
inhabited  only  by  the  favorites  of  the  Great  and  Good  S^nirit 
Ha-wah-ne-u.* 


♦  The  substance  of  the  foregoing  tradition  may  be  fo^iiidVthe  "NoteT^e 

roquo.  -  pp.  271  to  283.    It  is  but  .simple  justice  to  the  author  of  thi    wo  k  to 

«ay  that  the  art.cle  ,n  the  "Notes."  was  framed  from  a  MS.  furnished  by  th^ 

author  of  th.s,  to  the  Editor  of  the  Connnercial  Advertiser  of  New  Lk  fur'p,  > 

Iication  in  that  paper.  '       ^^ 


F  \  f)  r  A  \  R . 


t!Ui;,'lit  yoii  tho 
•iiiiM'd  ymi  tho 
I  liuvo  liberally 

ail  overlastin;: 
for  your  futiiro 
lout  the  admia- 
niiiiioroiiH  and 
('oinu;ils,  tlioy 
:oiiio  ouHliivod, 
r  are  the  last 
en  my  fVlends, 
liave  piitiontly 

irst  upon  the 
iiids  of  niyri- 
10  whole  aky 
1  music  ;  and 
oiling  strains, 
orbed  in  rap- 
»  which   now 
3  the  ethereal 
I  in  his  white 
'i  their  heads 
oin  the  view 
erful  ascent, 
I  fascinatinj: 
and  finally, 
cars,  as  the 
t-ha  retired 
ious  regions 
Good  Spirit 


'  "Notes  on  the 
of  this  work  to 
rnished  by  the 
'  York,  for  piil}- 


31 


Such  is  tho  traditionary  account  of  the  Onondagas,  of  the 
origin  of  tho  very  ancient  and  honorable  league  first  formed 
by  the  illustrious  Kivo  Nations,  given  to  tho  author  by  tho 
late  Captain  Frost,  and  La  Fort,  head  chiefs  of  the  Ononda- 
gas,  (Jth  February,  iHlf). 

This  tradition,  like  all  others,  proves  nothing  positively,  fur- 
ther than  that  the  lro<(uois  themselves  know  little  of  their  own 
(U'igin,  history,  or  the  anticpiity  of  their  most  prominent  char- 
acteristics and  institutions.  These  being  orally  transmitted 
from  generation  to  generation,  and  their  minds  ever  deeply 
imbued  with  superstiti(m,  events  are  magnified  to  miracles, 
distinguished  men  are  deified,  and  every  circumstance  of  note 
is  mystified  and  mingled  with  ignorance,  barbarism  and  ex- 


travagance. 


By  the  early  French  writers,  the  Mohawks  and  Oneidas 
were  styled  the  lower  or  inferior  Irocpiois  ;  while  the  Onon- 
dagas,  Cayiigas  and  Senecas,  were  denominated  the  upper  or 
superior  Iroquois,  because  they  were  located  nearer  the  sour- 
ces of  tho  St.  Lawrence.     Tlie  Mohawks  who  are  commonly 
supposed  to  be  the  first  nation  in  the  confederacy  and  were 
consi.lered  the  most  "warlike  people  in  the  land,"  were  also 
styled  elder  brothers,  of  the  other  nations,  and  so  esteemed 
themselves.     Like  their  brethren  of  the  Five  Nations,  they 
have  a  tradition   that  their  forefathers  came  from  the  far 
north.     However  this  may  be,  they  occupied  the  valley  of  the 
Mohawk,  at    the   time  of   their   first   intercourse  with    the 
whites.      Charicvoix  thus  speaks  of  them  as  they  were  in 
1646:  ''J)am  h  Canton  d'ArpiUqui  autems  dont  nous  par- 
Ions,  c'toit  leplus  peuple  de  tons;  une  jolie  riviere  serpente 
agreeahlement  Vespace  de  sept  aliuit  lieus  entre  deux  belle 
Praincsr*     Other  early  historians  give  the  same  locality." 
To  the  Mohawks  was  always  accorded  the  high  consideration 
of  furnishing  the  war  captain  or  "  Tekarahogea"  of  the  con- 


♦Trans  at.on-In  the  Canton  of  the  Mohawks,  of  which  several  authors  speak, 
he  mo.   numerous  population  of  all;  a  beautiful  river  winds  agreeaMv  through 
Ihe.r  country  for  seven  or  eight  leagues,  between  two  handsome  meadows. 


*5 


ONONDAGA. 

fcderacy,  which  distinguished  title  was  retained  with  them,  till 
the  year  1814,  when  the  celebrated  Ploa-ho-a-quah,  an  Onon- 
daga, was  chosen  in  general  council  at  Buffalo,  to  fill  that 
important  station.     [Sec  close  of  Political  History.) 

The  Oneidas  were  considered  the  second  nation,  and  a  faded 
tradition  once  existed,  that  they  were  a  branch  of  the  Onon- 
dagas,  to  whom  they  were  always  nearly  allied,  by  relation- 
ship and  language.     Their  earliest  recollected  residence,  was 
on  the  southern  shore  of  Oneida  lake,  neiu-  the  mouth  of 
Oneida  creek.     They  afterwards  took  up  tlieir  abode  higher 
up  the  valley,  and  tlie  famous  "  OxXeota,"  or  Oxeida  Stonk 
became  their  talisman  and  the  centre  of  their  attractions 
They  were  a  people  less  warlike  than  the  Mohawks,  but  many 
of  them  were  distinguished  as  orators  and  statesmen.     They 
were  usually  considered  more  susceptible  of  instruction  from 
the  missionaries  who  early  visited  them,  and  were  often  first 
resorted  to  in  negotiations  with  the  confederate  nations,  to  win 
them,  and  thus  prepare  the  minds  of  the  remaining  cantons. 
The  Onondagas  were  considered  the  third  nation.    They  be- 
came, from  their  central  position  and  numbers,  their  strength 
of  mind,  skill  in  diplomacy  and  warlike  bearing,  the  head^'or 
leading  nation  of  the  confederates.     The  grand  council-fire 
of  the  union  was  usually  kept  with  them.     They  kept  the  key 
of  the  great  council  house  of  the  Five  Nations ;  the  Mohawks 
holding  the  door  on  the  east,  as  did  the  Senecas  on  the  west. 
No  business  of  importance,  touching  the  interests  of  the  Five 
Nations,  was  transacted  elsewhere  but  at  Onondaga.     This 
nation  is  divided  into  eight  several  tribes  or  clans,  "called  bv 
themselves,  the  Wolf,  the  Bear,  the  Beaver  and  tiie  Tortoise. 
These  are  called  superior  clans,  and  from  these  may  be  se- 
lected the  chiefs  of  the  nation.     The  inferior  clans  are  the 
Deer,  the  Eagle,  the  Heron  and  the  Eel ;  from  which  civil 
chiefs,  may  not  be  elected.     Individuals  belonging  to  these 
latter  clans  are  not  considered  eligible  to  office.     Though  there 
formerly  were  instances  where,  by  great  individual  merit  a^ 
warriors,  they  have  occasionally  been  selected  as  war  chiefs ; 
eonsidered  the  lowest  class  of  officers  known  to  their  laws. 


INDIANS. 


with  them,  till 
[uah,  an  Onon- 
lo,  to  fill  that 
tory.) 

>n,  and  a  faded 
I  of  the  Onon- 
3,  by  relation- 
residence,  was 
the  mouth  of 

abode  higher 
)neida  Stokk 
ir  attractions. 
rks,  but  many 
?smen.     They 
itruction  from 
ore  often  first 
lations,  to  win 
ling  cantons, 
on.    They  be- 
■heir  strength 
,  the  head  or 
d  council-fire 
kept  the  key 
the  i\Iohawks 

on  the  west. 
3  of  the  Five 
idaga.  This 
as,  called  by 
tlie  Tortoise. 
!  may  be  se- 
lans  are  the 
1  which  civil 
ing  to  these 
^liough  there 
iml  merit  as 
i  war  chiefs ; 
heir  laws. 


33 


The  duty  of  this  dignitary  was  to  attend  to  all  the  mili- 
tary affairs  of  the  nation,  and  to  conduct  the  warriors  in  bat- 
tle. He  was  also  allowed  a  seat  in  the  national  and  confede- 
rate councils.  The  term  tribe,  as  understood  by  the  Onon- 
dagas,  applies  only  tc  these  clans  separately ;  and  they,  when 
taken  collectively,  comprise  the  nation.  There  is  nothing 
will  sooner  excite  the  indignation  of  a  chief,  than  the  appli- 
cation of  the  term  tribe,  to  the  nation. 

Tribe,  to  them,  is  diminutive — nation  conveys  to  them  the 
idea  of  greatness  and  magnificence. 

Among  the  Onondagas,  the  line  of  descent  is  emphatically 
in  the  female  branch  of  the  family.  For  instance.  La  Fort 
was  the  son  of  a  chief,  but  on  that  account  had  no  claim  to 
chieftainship,  and  had  not  his  mother  been  the  sister  of  Oun- 
diaga,  (or  a  relation  of  some  other  chief)  he  would  have  been 
excluded,  not  having  any  hereditary  right  to  an  election.  The 
son  or  grandson  of  a  chief's  daughter  or  sister,  is  eligible  to 
office,  but  his  own  son  would  not  be  eligible.  The  inference 
to  be  drawn  from  this  is,  that  the  sun  is  certainly  derived 
from  the  mother,  but  may  not  be  from  him  whom  he  ac- 
knowledges as  father. 

Among  the  Onondagas,  are  five  civil  chiefs  and  one  war 
chief;  all  of  whom  are  subject  to  removal  at  any  annual  na- 
tional council  which  may  be  fully  represented  by  a  majority 
of  those  entitled  to  seats  in  council,  or  in  other  words,  by  the 
voice  of  the  nation.  Anciently  they  had  a  greater  number 
of  chiefs,  sometimes  as  many  as  twelve  or  fourteen,  with  as 
many  sub  or  vice-chiefs,  who  acted  as  advisers,  but  took  no 
direct  or  active  part  in  the  management  of  great  councils. 

The  Pagan  party  being  the  most  numerous,  bear  rule  on 
questions  where  they  are  united ;  consequently,  the  Christian 
party  are  at  this  time  excluded.  For  example,  David  Hill, 
who  is  now  the  leader  of  the  Christian  party,  and  an  exem- 
plary man,  who  was  lately  a  chief  of  influence,  has  been  re- 
moved, and  his  place  supplied  by  one  who  still  adheres  to  the 
ancient  customs  and  principles  of  their  primitive  institutions. 
Among  the  earliest  traditions  of  the  Onondagas,  it  is  noted, 


i 


ili 


mi 


84 


ONONDAGA. 


that  they  at  first  came  from  the  North,  many  hundred  moons 
ago   and  once  inhabited  a  region  along  the  northern  banks 
ol  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  that  straggling  parties  of  hunters, 
isolated  themselves  in  the  country  since  occupied  by  the  Six 
Nations.     That  in  process  of  time,  the  remaining  part  of 
their  nation  followed,  and  set  themselves  down  in  the  valley 
and  on  the  hills  of  Onondaga.     The  Onondagas  have  also  a 
tradition  that  the  Bear  and  Wolf  tribes  originated  or  sprung 
from  the  ground  near  the  Oswego  Falls;  that  the  Eel  and 
Tortoise  tribes  sprung  from  the  same  source  on  the  banks  of 
the  Seneca  river;  that  the  Deer  and  Eagle  tribes  first  had 
existence  on  the  hills  of  Onondaga;  and  that  the  Beaver  and 
Heron  tribes,  sprung  from  the  earth,  on  the  shores  of  lake 
Ontario.     Whatever  of  truth  may  attach  to  the  foregoing  tra- 
ditions,  only  goes  to  show,  that  on  those  localities,  they  may 
at  first  have  received  their  distinctive  appellations,  or  there 
assumed  their  respective  titles.     It  is  not  uncommon  amon.^ 
Indian  nations  to  declare,  that  wherever  they  have  long  resided" 
there  they  have  sprung  from  the  earth,  or  there  first  had  exis- 
tence. •  It  is  a  fact  well  established  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers, 
that  the  Onondagas  had  considerable  villages  at  Oswego  Falls  • 
on  the  shores  of  lake  Ontario ;  on  the  banks  of  the  Seneca  ' 
and  on  the  hills  of  Onondaga,  and  at  those  places  may  havJ 
originated  the  several  clans  agreeably  to  their  traditions. 

On  a  celebrated  land  trial  held  at  the  Court  House  in  this 
County  some  five  years  ago,  one  of  the  chiefs  testified,  that 
the  Onondagas  first  came  to  Onondaga  by  way  of  Oriskany 
where  they  had  previously  resided  for  several  years.  Upon 
the  cross  examination,  counsel  being  rather  hard  upon  him 
hj  expressing  doubt  upon  the  subject,  he  indignantly  replied ' 
"i>o  you  think  I  would  lie  !"  These  are  the  accounts  these 
people  give  of  their  own  origin. 

The  history  of  the  Cayugas  is  the  most  obscure  and  unsa- 
tisfactory  of  any  of  the  Five  Nations.     Although  they  were 
never  deemed  deficient  in  native  energy,  or  inferior  in  intel- 
lectual capacity,  and  have  also  produced  warriors,  orators  and     ' 
statesmen  of  the  greatest  ability,  yet  their  course  has  been 


INDIANS. 


hundred  moons 
northern  banks 
•ties  of  hunters, 
pied  by  the  Six 
laining  part  of 
'n  in  the  valley, 
gas  have  also  a 
lated  or  sprung 
it  the  Eel  and 
)n  the  banks  of 
tribes  first  had 
the  Beaver  and 

shores  of  lake 
e  foregoing  tra- 
ities,  they  may 
itions,  or  there 
!ommon  amonjr 
ve  long  resided, 
3  first  had  exis- 
fesuit  Fathers, 
Oswego  Falls ; 
f  the  Seneca ; 
ices  may  have 
traditions. 

House  in  this 

testified,  that 
'  of  Oriskany, 
years.  Upon 
ird  upon  him, 
antly  replied  : 
iccounts  these 

ure  and  unsa- 
igh  they  were 
erior  in  intel- 
s,  orators  and 
irse  has  been 


85 


.signally  marked  by  decay  and  desolation.  Logan,  the  prince 
of  Indian  orators,  was  a  Cayuga.  His  father,  Shikellimus, 
was  a  noted  chief  of  this  nation,  who  aided  Count  Zinzendorfif 
and  Bishop  Zeisberger,  in  the  establishment  of  a  mission  at 
Shamokin  in  1747. 

Distinguished  chiefs  of  this  nation  were  almost  universally 
present  at  all  the  conferences  of  the  Five  Nations,  with  the 
Dutch,  English  and  French,  during  the  early  periods  of  their 
history ;  and  in  the  campaign  of  General  Sullivan,  in  1779, 
the  extent  of  their  settlements,  and  their  determined  resist- 
ance, in  their  defense,  shows  that  they  were  by  no  means  a 
despicable  people.  Very  few  now  linger  about  their  ancient 
hunting  grounds.  Civilization  has  made  sad  inroads  upon 
them. 

The  Senecas,  from  the  earliest  times,  have  been  the  most 
numerous  and  powerful  of  the  Five  Nations.     They  have  al- 
ways been  farther  advanced  in  agriculture  and  the  arts  than 
their  neighbors,  and  if  oratory,  statesmanship,  and  determined 
opposition  to  the  encroachments  of  the  whites,  be  taken  into 
account,  they  may  be  said  to  stand  in  the  foremost  rank. 
With  their  neighbors,  the  Tuscaroras,  they  have  yielded  more 
readily  to  the  advantages  of  education.    Several  of  their  young 
men  and  maidens  have  entered  the  schools  of  the  whites,  and 
become  noted  for  their  scholarship  and  learning.     They  are 
sometimes  styled  the  People  of  the  Hill,  from  a  tradition  that 
they  originated  from  a  liill  at  the  head  of  Canandaigua  lake.* 
The  tradition  is,  that  the  Senecas  anciently  encamped  on 
this  hill,  upon  which  they  had  a  fort  surrounded  with  pali- 
sades.    An  enormous  serpent  encircled    the  fort,    with  his 
head  and  tail  joined  at  the  gateway,  through  which  none  could 
pass  without  being  destroyed. 

"  When  famine  raged  within  their  guarded  hold, 
And  wan  distemper  thinned  their  numbers  fast." 

At  length  all  fell  a  prey  to  famine,  pestilence,  or  the  de- 
vouring jaws  of  the  monster,  except  a  youth  and  his  sister. 


Il 


♦See  Hosmer's  Poem,  before  G.  O.  I.,  1845. 


J^ 


36 


ONONDAGA. 


The  young  warrior  dreamed  that  should  an  arrow  be  directed 
to  the  monster's  heart,  beneath  "The  rounded  scale  that  wall 
his  side,"  he  would  slay  him  and  secure  himself  from  further 
harm,  and  thus  prevent  the  total  annihilation  of  his  nation. 

It  was  done  as  he  had  been  forewarned,  the  monster  was 
slam,  and  the  nation  was  finally  established  on  the  western 
shore  of  the  Seneca  lake.  The  Senecas  have  always  been 
noted  for  the  talents  of  their  orators  and  statesmen.  Corn- 
Planter,  Red  Jacket,  Farmers  Brother,  Handsome  Lake,  and 
others  of  scarcely  less  distinction,  during  the  last  century 
have  wielded  a  power  and  influence  among  the  Indian  nations, 
that  will  long  cause  them  to  be  remembered  as  a  noble  and 
illustrious  nation. 

The  government  of  the  Iroquois  in  their  palmy  days,  when 
their  power  was  supreme,  and  their  prosperity  unbounded 
was  a  sort  of  Oligarchy  mixed  with  democracy  ;  having  a  re' 
presentative  and  popular  voice.  It  consisted  of  a  republican 
and  hereditary  form  combined.  Business  transactions  of  a 
national  character,  were  carried  on  by  the  head  chiefs  of  the 
nations,  and  were  ratified  or  rejected  in  general  councils.  De- 
cisions made  by  the  chiefs  of  a  nation,  only  aftected  that 
particular  nation.  But  all  decisions  of  the  united  chiefs  of 
the  confederacy,  when  rejected  in  general  council,  became 
decrees  from  which  there  could  be  no  appeal. 

The  organic  laws  of  the  Indians,  are  little  understood. 
Few  persons  can  have  the  patience  or  opportunity,  to  study 
the  polity  and  government  of  these  mysterious  people,  as  con- 
ducted in  their  councils,  in  a  language  almost  totally  unin- 
telligible.   None  can  know  all  the  intricacies  and  details  where 
so  much  obscurity  and  circumspection  exists.     Everythin<^ 
is  dark  and  mysterious.     They  prefer,  rather  to  mystify  than 
explain  ;  to  darken  the  understanding  rather  than  enlighten 
It.     Their  habitual  distrust  gives  but  the  slightest  opp^'ortu- 
mty  to  study  their  unwritten  code.     Even  those  who  have 
enjoyed  their  confidence  longest,  and  who  have  been  on  terms 
of  the  most  perfect  intimacy  with  them,  but  feebly  and  un- 
certainly elucidate  and  explain  the  genius  of  their  institutions. 


tlm 


i"\ 


-,:  :^, 


TRADITIONS. 


•ow  be  directed 
scale  that  wall 
f  from  further 
f  his  nation, 
e  monster  was 
>n  the  western 
D  always  been 
!smen.     Corn- 
)me  Lake,  and 
;  last  century 
ndian  nations, 
IS  a  noble  and 

ly  days,  when 
y  unbounded, 
having  a  re- 
'  a  republican 
sactions  of  a 
i  chiefs  of  the 
ouncils.  De- 
affected  that 
;ed  chiefs  of 
mcil,  became 

understood, 
lity,  to  study 
eople,  as  con- 
totally  unin- 
details  where 

Everything 
mystify  than 
an  enlighten 
;est  opportu- 
ie  who  have 
sen  on  terms 
3bly  and  un- 
institutions. 


87 


4'S: 


CHAPTER  II. 


TRADITIONS  OF  THE  ONONDAGAS. 


Ascent  of  the  Seneca  River  ity  Ta-oi-n-ya-wat-ha— His  Slaughter  of  a  Mon- 
s TRofs  Serpent— Opexing  of  the  Channel  of  Onondaga  River— The  Enchan- 
tress— Feathered  Monsters— Great  Eagle — Allusion  to  other  Tradi- 
tions—Witches  and  Wizards— Evil  Spirits— Tradition  of  a  Colony— Be- 
lief IN  Thunder  and  Lightning — Marriage— Family  Discipline— Treat- 
ment  of  the  .Sick — Burials. 

In  the  annals  of  the  \vorld,  perhaps  there  never  was  a  peo- 
ple whose  true  history  has  been  so  completely  wrapt  in  mys- 
tery and  so  wonderfully  mingled  up  with  false  traditions, 
many  of  which  may  have  had  foundation  in  fact,  interspersed 
with  fables,  fictions,  types,  symbols  and  allegories,  as  that  of 
the  aborigines  of  our  land.-   In  tracing  the  progress  of  their 
ancient  history,  we  find  no  distinctive  lines,  whereby  to  dis- 
tinguish what  may  be  true  from  what  is  actually  false.     There 
is  no  discrimination  made  by  themselves,  and  among  them, 
the  most  extravagant  fictions  pass  for  truth.     The  Indian  is 
acted  upon  by  his  superstitions  and  fears.    Seeing  some  things 
mysterious  and  incomprehensible,  he  believes  all  things  he 
cannot  explain  by  the  evidence  of  his  senses  to  be  so.     Thus 
we  find  him  drifting  about  without  a  system  or  without  direc- 
tion, on  the  broad  ocean  of  ignorance,  driven  omvard  by  the 
accumulating  waves  of  superstition.     "  He  sees  God  in  clouds 
and  hears  him  in  the  winds,"  every  strange  event  is  mag- 
nified into  a  miracle,  and  is  transmitted  from  sire  to  son,  as 
the  work  of  an  invisible  hand— the  doings  of  the  Great  Spirit. 
His  credulity  impels  him  to  believe  everything  marvellous 
that  he  hears,  and  the  basest  fabrics  of  the  imagination,  and 
the  simplest  truths,  enter  alike  into  his  systems  of  history, 


Am 


88 


ONONDAGA, 


philosophy  and  theology.  Although  exceedingly  extravagant, 
and  perhaps  unworthy  of  credence,  we  here  would  insert  a 
few  of  the  most  prominent  traditions  and  beliefs  held  in  repute 
among  the  Onondagas. 

They  have  a  tradition  that   Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  the  deity 
who  presides  over  fisheries  and  hunting-grounds,  came  down 
from  above  in  his  White  Canoe,  and  selected  a  couple  of  war- 
riors from  among  the  Opondagas,  who  met  him  at  Oswego. 
They  together  passed  up  the  Oswego  river,  removed  all  ob- 
structions to  navigation  at  the  falls,  so  that  canoes  could  pass 
m  safety  without  carriage.     As  the  tradition  goes,  the  devoted 
trio  proceeded  up  the  river  until  they  had  passed  (Te-u-ung- 
hu-ka)  Three-Kiver-Point.     They  here  came  to  a  place  where 
the  water  was  perfectly  still  for  a  long  distance.     The  channel 
was  straight,  the  water  deep  and  unruffled.    Looking  far  ahead, 
they  distinctly  saw  an  object  lying  directly  across  the  stream, 
apparently  like  the  trunk  of  a  large  tree.     As  they  advanced, 
It  seemed  gradually  to  heave  and  fall;  the  waters  became 
strangely  agitated,  and  rolled  in  large  waves  from  the  sides 
of   the  obstraction.     Upon  a  nearer  approach,  the  object 
proved  to  be  an  enormous  serpent,  whose  body  lay  across  the 
stream,  and  such  was  his  unparalleled  length,  that  his  head 
was  not  in  view,  but  extended  far  into  the  country  on  one 
side  of  the  river,  while  his  tail  was  far  out  of  sight  on  the 
other.     The  god  of  the  rivers  bade  him  retire,  but  the  reptile 
would  not  obey.     Then  said  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  die,  thou  dread- 
ful beast,  and  know  that  the  Great  Spirit  rules.     He  then 
raised  his  paddle,  which  in  its  descent  cleft  the  hideous  beast 
in  twain.     So  firmly  had  the  extremities  of  the  monster  be- 
come fixed,  that  the  separation  was  accompanied  with  a  ter- 
rific   sound,  like   a  startling   peal  of  thunder.     The  earth 
trembled  and  shook  with  a  rumbling  noise,  the  waters  ran  red 
and  were  violently  agitated,  while  the  sudden  contractions  of 
the  dissevered  parts  were  so  violent,  that  each  portion  imme- 
diately disappeared,  and  was  never  heard  of  more.     But  the 
print  of  the  place  where  the  fell  destroyer  had  lain,  was  plain 


■'nB  :t.-i;Ki! 


TRADITIONS. 


39 


;ly  extravagant, 
would  insert  a 
fs  held  in  repute 

t-ha,  the  deity 
ds,  came  down 

couple  of  war- 
im  at  Oswego, 
amoved  all  ob- 
loes  could  pass 
•es,  the  devoted 
ised  (Te-u-ung. 
>  a  place  where 
The  channel 
king  far  ahead, 
)ss  the  stream, 
;hey  advanced, 
waters  became 
From  the  sides 
5h,  the  object 
lay  across  the 
that  his  head 
)untry  on  one 

sight  on  the 
)ut  the  reptile 
ie,  thou  dread- 
es.     He  then 
hideous  beast 
J  monster  be- 
d  with  a  ter- 
.     The  earth 
aters  ran  red 
ntractions  of 
lortion  imme- 
're.     But  the 
lin,  was  plain 


to  be  seen  through  all  succeeding  generations,  till  the  white 
man  came  and  leveled  the  ground  with  his  plow. 

The  canoe  again  passed  on  without  interruption.  It  was 
the  first  that  had  ever  moved  over  the  waters,  past  this  ap- 
palling spot.  All  who  had  before  this  attempted  the  passage 
had  been  killed  and  devoured. 

A  few  miles  further  up  the  stream,  they  met  with  another 
obstruction  of  a  like  nature,  which  was  removed  with  similar 
consequences  and  results. 

Upon  a  more  critical  examination  of  the  space  in  the  river 
between  the  positions  of  these  huge  monsters,  it  was  found  to 
be  richly  stored  with  an  abundance  of  eels  and  other  delicious 
fish ;  the  taking  of  which  had  not  been  enjoyed  by  the  na- 
tives, because  of  these  terrific  spoilers  who  had  constantly 
guarded  it  and  destroyed  all  who  dared  to  approach — under 
the  auspices  of  the  wicked  spirit,  0-nees-hoo-hugh-nu.  After 
Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  had  vanquished  the  huge  serpents,  he  gave 
all  good  people  permission  to  fish  there  without  hindrance  or 
molestation,  which  beneficent  privilege  they  have  so  richly 
enjoyed  to  the  present  day. 

Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  and  his  companions  now  proceeded  on- 
ward, to  where  the  Seneca  river  makes  its  greatest  bend  to 
the  south.  They  here  made  a  landing  on  the  southern  shore. 
At  this  place  they  were  much  surprised  at  hearing  an  inces- 
sant screaming  of  wild  birds.  "  This,"  said  Ta-oun-ya-wat- 
ha,  "is  portentous  of  some  remarkable  event — let  us  exa- 
mine and  see."  They  proceeded  south  a  short  distance,  and 
behold,  a  great  lake  lay  beautifully  spread  out  before  them, 
extending  far  away  to  the  south.  It  had  no  visible  outlet — 
no  communication  with  the  river.  "  We  must  open  a  free 
passage  here,"  said  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  "for  the  canoes  of  good 
people  to  pass.  Our  business  is  to  remove  all  obstructions  to 
their  prosperity  and  to  make  them  happy."  Then  the  spirit 
of  the  rivers  took  the  magic  paddle  which  he  had  carried  with 
him,  and  with  it  made  a  mark  or  furrow,  from  the  lake  to  the 
river,  through  which  at  first  the  water  gradually  flowed  and 
in  time  wore  the  channel  sufficiently  deep  for  canoes  to  pass 


B 

tj3l 

'3-' 

t'  < 

4k 

1 

1^ 

m1 

1 

1 

F 

w 
m 

1 

1 

M 

Hi 

1 

40 


v:  !■ 


ONONDAGA. 


"i;n 


with  ease  and  facility.     This,  according  to  Indian  tradition, 
was  the  first  outlet  of  the  Onondaga  Lake.     Previously  to 
this,  the  lake  extended  the  whole  length  of  the  Onondaga 
valley.*      Year  succeeded  year,  and  this  channel  became 
broader  and  deeper,  and  as  time  rolled  on,  the  lake  les- 
sened  in  size,  the  water  became  shallow  which  before  was 
deep,  and  trees  soon  appeared  where  once  the  earth  was  over- 
spread with  water;  and  finally  the  boundaries  of  the  lake  gradu- 
ally  subsided  to  the  ordinary  limits  of  the  water,  and  left  the 
salt  springs  on  its  shores  bare,  which  previous  to  this  event, 
had  been  covered  by  fresh  water,  and  were  before  entirely 
unknown  ;  so  that  by  this  special  kindness  and  interposition 
of  the  Great  Spirit,  salt  was  introduced  for  the  health  and 
comfort  of  the  Indians,  and  has  ever  since  been  considered 
by  them  an  inestimable  blessing. 

After  the  removal  of  this  barrier,  the  party  again  moved 
up  the  river  a  few  miles,  and  at  a  distance,  discovered  in  a 
beautiful  chesnut  grove,  a  single  cabin,  from  which  the  smoke 
ascended  in  graceful  curls,  while  every  appendage  about  it 
looked  cheerful  and  inviting. 

Here  was  the  residence  of  a  wicked  enchantress,  called  Oh- 
cau-nee,  who  had  hitherto  prevented  the  gathering  of  nuts, 
which  were  every  where  abundant  around  her  dwelling. 

After  a  protracted  and  violent  struggle  between  the  enchan- 
tress  and  one  of  the  followers  of  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  in  which 
she  was  slain,  the  god  of  the  rivers,  waved  the  paddle  of  his 
magic  canoe  over  the  trees,  which  were  literally  covered  with 
nuts,  and  the  rich  and  tempting  fruit  came  rattling  to  the 
ground  in  the  greatest  profusion.  The  party  regaled  them- 
selves merrily,  gathered  in  the  sacred  harvest,  and  Ta-oun- 
ya-wat-ha,  with  his  hand  scattered  the  hard  earned  treasure 
broadcast  among  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  thus  dissemina- 
ting this  rich  blessing  every  where,  which  previously  had  not 


*  It  may  be  well  to  remark,  that  there  are  evidences  along  the  acdiviues  from 
the  valley,  that  this  tradition  may  have  its  origin  in  truth.  ''^ "vf  es  from 


TRADITIONS. 


41 


ulian  tradition, 
Previously  to 
the  Onondaga 
lannel  became 
,  the  lake  les- 
;ch  before  was 
3arth  was  over- 
the  lake  gradu- 
)r,  and  left  the 
i  to  this  event, 
before  entirely 

I  interposition 
he  health  and 
sen  considered 

■  again  moved 
iscovered  in  a 
ich  the  smoke 
dage  about  it 

iss,  called  Oh- 
jring  of  nuts, 
iwelling. 

II  the  enchan- 
>ha,  in  which 
paddle  of  his 
covered  with 
ittling  to  the 
egaled  them- 
and  Ta-oun- 
led  treasure 
is  dissemina- 
usly  had  not 


!  ncdivities  from 


been  known  beyond  the  grove  of  Oh-cau-nce  the  enchantress, 
who  had  always  been  their  keeper.  After  this  event,  all 
good  people  were  permitted  to  come  to  this  place  without  fear 
or  hindrance,  to  gather  chesnuts. 

The  country  about  Cross  Lake,  (Te-ungk-too)  was  so  invi- 
ting in  appearance,  that  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  resolved  to  explore 
it.  While  upon  the  water  he  observed  in  all  directions  skele- 
tons of  men,  swimming  about  on  the  surface.  "Some  mur- 
derous monster"  ho  exclaimed  "must  be  stationed  near  the 
stream  above  and  must  be  destroyed."  When  they  had  ar- 
rived at  a  spot  some  distance  above  where  the  Skaneatelcs 
empties  itself  into  the  Seneca  river,  they  discovered  two  mon- 
strous red  feathered  animals  Avith  long  and  arched  necks. 
One  was  stationed  upon  one  side  of  the  river  and  the  other 
on  the  opposite  bank.  Their  long  and  pointed  beaks  crossed 
each  other  like  two  sharpened  swords,  suspended  over  the 
centre  of  the  stream.  Whenever  canoes  passed  underneath, 
the  occupants  were  sure  to  become  food  for  tliese  rapacious 
monsters,  who,  after  picking  off  the  flesh  Avould  send  their 
carcasses  down  the  stream,  most  of  Avhich  lodged  in  Cross 
Lake.  "These  destroyers  of  our  race  must  be  removed," 
said  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  "  or  the  braves  of  our  nations  will  be 
devoured,  and  their  Avives  and  little  ones  slain.  We  must  be 
wise  and  cautious,  or  we  shall  be  overcome.  I  am  aware  that 
the  Wicked  Spirit  has  placed  these  obstructions  in  our  way 
and  is  determined  good  people  shall  not  navigate  these  waters. 
But  if  we  are  wise  and  prudent  and  reverently  keep  the  Great 
and  Good  Spirit  ever  in  view,  we  shall  conquer  these  monsters, 
overcome  all  obstacles  and  finally  come  oif  triumphant  in  all 
our  undertakings."  The  White  Canoe  was  paddled  to  the 
shore,  and  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  after  invoking  the  blessing  of 
the  Great  and  Good  Spirit,  raised  his  magic  paddle  and  smote 
one  of  these  monsters,  which  brought  him  to  the  ground. 
After  a  furious  struggle  he  succeeded  in  killing  him.  Com- 
posing himself  and  taking  rest,  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  crossed  the 
river  with  a  view  of  attacking  the  remaining  one,  but  he 
could  no  where  be  found.     The  god  of  the  rivers,  placed  his 

0 


^1 


42 


,:,! 


O  N  O  N  D  A  (;  A . 


a  e  y.     Th,  sagacity  of  Ta-oun-ya-.-a.-ha,  .,oo„ 'iLovered 
he  course  he  had  take,,,  a„.l  directly  proceeded  in  p„,.  „  , 
He  d,l,ge„tly  traced  the  monster  by  his  tracks  through  v„; 

to  the  place  fro,,,  whence  he  had  departed.  Tl,e  frightened 
an,mal  now  took  wing  and  never  rested  till  he  can,c  to  0  ,"„ 
rtaga,  w  en  he  alighted  on  the  sandy  plain,  between  t  c  0„„„. 
daga  v,llage  and  the  lake.  His  tracks  where  he  rested  were 
pla.n  to  be  seen  many  years  afterwards,  and  to  tl,is  day  the 
pot  ,s  pomted  out  with  particular  precision.  'ZZt 
wat-ha  ,n  fuU  pursuit  soon  overtook  him  at  this  spot,  and  fhc 

natives.  l|,e  strange  animal  again  started,  nor  rested  till 
he  had  arr,ved  at  Oneida,  when  becoming  m'uch  fat  lued  h 
agam  settled  down  near  the  Oneota  or  sacred  stonf  of  the 
»at.o„.  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  still  pursuing,  again  came  up  ^A 
he  monster  and  both  pnahed  forward  with  great  carneCe* 
towards  the  w«t.     The  winged  monster  at  lengtrbegl  ^ 

overtaken  on  the  sandy  grounds  north  of  Salina.    After  a 
desperate  struggle,  he  w,as  finally  slain,a„d  the  sand  k  „  „ 
so  frequent  in  that  neighborhood,werc  thrown  up  by  his  drin: 
cxert,ons.     So  swiftly  had  the  monster  flown,  and  so  clo'ey 
had  he  been  pursued,  that  the  whole  transaction  had    ccnp   J 
but  a  very  short  space  of  time.     At  length  he  began  to  decay 
and  myriads  of  musketoes  were  the  offspring  of  the  d  com 
pos,ng  m,.s,  which  completely  filled  the  country.    A  dst 
greeable  efllu™  arose  from  it  which  spread  far  and  wMe  and 
was  frequently  the  ea„.e  of  fatal  ani  violent  disels    the 
decaying  matter  also  discolored  the  water  in  the  swamps'and 
ever  smce  they  have  been  considered  unfit  for  drinking 

Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  and  his  companions  again  ascended  the 
beneea  r.ver  and  cleared  the  channel  of  all  obstructions,  till  he 
came  to  the  Cayuga  marshes.  When  near  them,  they  became 
greatly  alarmed  by  a  constant  humming  sound,  and  a  loud 


3 


TRADITIONS. 


43 


tancc,  treading 
i(lin<5  pl'ico  for 
oon  discovered 
ded  in  pursuit. 
s  through  vari- 
10  came  around 
rhe  frightened 
came  to  Onon- 
fccn  the  Onon- 
he  rested  were 
0  this  day  the 
Ta-oun-ja- 

spot,  and  the 
d  place  by  the 
or  rested  till 
h  fatigued,  he 

atone  of  the 
came  up  with 
It  earnestness 
gth  began  to 
tt  last  he  was 
na.     After  a 
sand  knolls, 
by  his  dying 
nd  so  closely 
bad  occupied 
;an  to  decay, 
'  the  decom- 
y.     A  disa- 
nd  wide  and 
liseases ;  the 
swamps  and 
nking. 
scended  the 
tions,  till  he 
ihey  became 
and  a  loud 


and  continual  cackling  of  ducks,  geeso  and  other  aquatic 
birds.     The  pai-ty  wore  surprised  to  find  their  course  obstruc- 
ted by  two  enormous  Eagles,  who  had  long  been  the  guardi- 
ans of  the  water-fowl,  which  were  in  the  habit  of  congregat- 
ing in  the  marshes.     Such  had  been  their  watchfulness,  that 
none  could  escape,  and  all  people  had  hitherto  been  prevented 
from  taking  them  for  food.     These  monstrous  Eagles  were 
also  slain  and  the  wild  fowl,  now  no  longer  restrained  by 
thoir  rapacious  guardians,  arose  on  their  wings  in  all  direc- 
tions, and  scattered  themselves  abroad  in  all  the  surrounding 
lakes  and  streams,  and  became  ever  afterwards  a  precious 
article  of  food  for  man.     These  were  some  of  the  principal 
deeds  of  Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha,  the  god  of  the  fisheries,  rivers  and 
hunting  grounds,  as  held  in  estimation  among  the  traditions 
of  the  Onondagas. 

Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha  afterwards  took  up  his  abode  at  Cross 
lake  and  assisted  to  form  the  great  league  of  the  Five  Nations 
as  related  in  a  former  chapter. 

The  tradition  of  the  flying  heads,  which  greatly  disturbed 
their  quiet,  and  defied  all  human  power  successfully  to  com- 
bat, may  be  enumerated  among  their  singular  fancies.  These 
heads  of  monstrous  size,  enveloped  in  beards  and  hair  of  flam- 
ing fire,  rushed  through  the  air  like  shooting  stars  or  falling 
meteors,  threatening  the  destruction  of  their  nation.  The 
priests,  prophets  and  medicine-men  were  alike  unsuccessful  in 
subduing  these  supernatural  monsters.  They  were  at  last  dis- 
pelled by  the  machinations  of  an  old  woman. 

The  Quis-quis,  or  great  hog,  was  another  monster  which  gave 
the  Onondagas  great  trouble,  as  did  also  the  great  bear,  the 
horned  water-serpent,  the  stone  giants  and  many  other  equally 
fabulous  inventions,  bordering  so  closely  upon  the  truly  mar- 
vellous, that  the  truth  would  suffer  wrongfully  if  related  in 
full ;  but  nevertheless  are  found  among  the  wild  and  unseem- 
ly traditions  of  the  race. 

A  belief  in  witches  and  wizards  prevailed  extensively 
throughout  the  Six  Nations,  and  in  none  of  the  Iroquois  can- 
tons was  the  belief  more  prevalent,  than  among  the  Ononda- 


44 


ONONDAGA. 


m 


hat  It  Hooraod  .J,  effect,  ,voula  ,l„»„l,uc  the  wh„]e  country 

affect  ,he,r  p„pu|„t,„„  „„,1  p^p^Hty.     The.e  witche,  and 
w.^ar,l,  wore  apposed  to  hold  nightly  meetings,  to  devi" 

the  nation.     il,„y  were  »upp„,e,l  to  he  bonnd  hy  a  solemn 
oath  of  secrecy;   could  change  thomselvc,  to  various  ™ 
an,n,als,  as  ..Ives,  foxes,  hawk,  .„„!  turkeys,  and  to  »  ,  p 
of  vanou,  substances,  a,  tree,,  rock,  and  log,  ;  eouid  be  nre 
sent  and  invisible  in  the  a„emblie,  and  coundl,  of  t     „„;„': 
could  mfu«  poison  and  di,ea,c  a.nong  the  people,  and  Z 

In  feet,  there  was  scarce  anything  however  hulicrous  or  ex- 

M..  Webster,  .n  h,s  conversation,  with  the  old  settlers  ,iid 
that  an  old  Indian  of  the  Onondaga,  used  to  relate     « 
an  anccnt  penod,  when  a  portion  of  the  Onondagas'        a„ 
extensu^  ,e  tlo.nent  and  populous  village  on  the  flat,  east  oj 

one  e,enu,g,  he  sunk  down  deep  into  an  immense,  cavern, 
which  wa,  bnlhantly  illuminated  with  flaming  torches.    N 
ooner  had  he  reached  the  floor,  than  he  found  him,elf  in,tart! 
ly  surrounded  by  hundreds  of  witches  and  wizards,  who  rather 
uneeremon.ously  ejected  him.     The  circumstance  lay  heavy 
upon  Ins  heart.     Early  the  next  morning  he  proceeded  to  the 
cncl-honse  and  Laid  the  matter  before  the  Lemhlcd  chief^ 
T^,ey  asked  h,m,  ,    he  could  identify  a„y  „f  .,,0  persons  he 
had  seen.      lo  rephed  that  he  thought  he  could.     lie  straight- 
way  proceeded  through  the  village  and  pointed  to  this  and 
that  one  whom  he  thus  signified  a,  delinquent,.     They  were 
at  once  doomed  for  execution,  and  without  trial  or  ceremony, 
upon  the  evdence  or  whim  of  a  single  individual,  numbers  of 
both  sexes  were  kdled.     According  to  the  tradition  the  slaugh- 
ter  was  nnmense ;  it  seemed  there  could  be  no  end  to  the  alarm- 
".g  panic  ;  many  of  the  people  dispersed,  and  for  a  season  it 
«as  feared  the  nation  would  be  completely  broken  up.     It  i, 


TRADITIONS. 


45 


)motimo8  carried, 
)  whole  country, 
,  it  did  seriously 
leso  witches  and 
Btings,  to  devise 
md  trouble  upon 
iiul  by  a  solemn 
to  various  wild 
J,  and  to  shapes 
3 ;  could  be  pre- 
s  of  the  nations; 
eople,  and  even 
}  of  individuals, 
ludicrous  or  ex- 
not  accomplish. 
)ld  settlers,  said 
'  relate,  that  at 
iidagas  had  an 
he  flats  east  of 
)ut  of  his  cabin 
imense,  cavern, 
;  torches.     No 
limself  instant- 
■ds,  who  rather 
nee  lay  heavy 
occeded  to  the 
iembled  chiefs, 
(le  persons  he 
He  straifrht- 
3d  to  this  and 
.     They  were 
or  ceremony, 
1,  numbers  of 
on  the  slaugh- 
to  the  alarm- 
3r  a  season  it 
en  up.     It  is 


said  that  more  than  half  of  those  who  remained  at  home  were 
killed,  amounting  in  all  to  hundreds.     Other  and  similar  in- 
stances are  still  related  among  their  traditions  of  witchcraft. 
Sometimes  these  witches  were  burned  and  sometimes  summa- 
rily  dispatched  with  a  tomahawk.     Usually,  however,  they 
were  permitted  to  speak  in  their  own   behalf,  freciuently  own- 
ing the  charge,  thus  becoming  voluntary  victims  to  the  gross- 
est infatuation   and   superstition.      They    believed   that  the 
witches  and  wizards  had  power  to  send  fireballs,  a  ball  of  hair, 
or  a  dog,  or  cat,  to  inflict  some  punishment  upon  any  person, 
upon  wliom  they  chose  to  practice  their  deception,  and  if  the 
principal  persons  of  the  nation  were  satisfied  of  their  guilt, 
they  were  instantly  sentenced  to  death.     Upon  this,  some  of 
the  most  influential  men  would  proceed  to  a  high  ledge  of 
rocks,  roll  some  of  them  out  sufficient  to  make  a  large  and 
deep  hole ;  they  would  then  return  to  the  Castle  and  inform 
those  whom  they  intended  to  execute,  of  what  they  had  done, 
and  that  they  must  forthwith  depart  for  the  place  of  execu- 
tion.    If  it  was  a  female  who  was  to  suffer,  she  instantly 
drew  her  blanket  over  her  head,  and  without  a  murmur  or 
word  of  repining,  repaired  to  the  place  already  prepared. 
The  Indian  women   understanding  the  import  of  tliese  pro- 
ceedings, immediately  left  the  village  and  were  not  seen  again 
on  that  day,  and  long  afterwards  continued  their  demonstra- 
tions of  grief  and  mourning.     After  the  victim  had  departed 
for  the  place  of  execution,  the  men  followed  after.     "When 
they  arrived  at  the  spot,  the  doomed  one  was  found  ready  for 
the  execution  of  her  sentence,  standing  upon  a  rock  at  ine 
edge  of  the  hole,  with  her  blanket  drawn  closely  over  her 
head.     One  of  the  men  would  walk  deliberately  up  to  her, 
remove  her  blanket  and  let  it  fall  to  the  ground.     At  this 
instant  two  Indians  with  tomahawks  would  step  forward  and 
cleave  the  victim's  head  in  twain,  being  careful  to  direct  her 
fall  into  the  opening  in  the  rocks  already  prepared.     They 
then  rolled  rocks  upon  the  slain  one  till  she  was  deeply  buried. 
They  after  this  raised  the  cry,  "thus  perish  all  witches." 
The  mode  of  executing  wizards  was  the  same,  but  when  the 


1  H 


-L      11 


fi\'' 


m 


46 


ONONDAGA, 


'■■  I  *i 


Wizard  was  singled  out  ard  informed  of  his  fate,  he  uttered  a 
deafening  yell,  and  then  ran  with  all  his  might  to  the  place 
of  execution  and  his  executioners  after  him.     Several  instan- 
ces of  the  above  mode  of  punishment  have  occurred  since  the 
first  settlements  were  made  by  the  whites,  and  have  been  re- 
lated to  the  author  by  the  older  inhabitants,  some  of  when, 
were  witnesses.     As  late  as  1803,  four  squaws  were  accused 
of  witchcraft  at  the  Castle,  three  of  them  were  executed  ac- 
cording to  their  customs.     One  of  them  agreed  to  deliver  up 
all  her  implements  of  incantation,  and  requested  the  Indians 
to  assemble  at  a  place  near  the  Castle.     She  then  directed 
them  to  build  a  fire  of  white-ash  wood,  to  set  up  some  crotches 
^nd  lay  poles  across.     This  being  done,  the  supposed  witch 
suspended  from  a  pole  a  roll  of  white  cotton  cloth  wound 
tight  around  with  cords.     It  soon  took  fire,  and  then  followed 
several  explosions  in  quick  succession,  similar  to  a  loaded 
musket       Several  white  people  were  present,  who  exerted 
their  influence  without  effect,  to  prevent  disaster.     The  three 
who  were  executed  acknowledged  all  that  was  alleged  against 
them,  but  not  promising  reformation,  were  therefore  disposed 
of  m  a  summary  manner.     The  ground  upon  which  one  of 
the  three  was  condemned  was  like  this :  the  Indians  had  pur- 
chase   a  beef  of  Mr.  Webster,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a 
great  feast.     During  the  transaction,  a  young  man  who  was 
master  of  ceremonies,  was  charged  by  an  Indian  woman  with 
partiality,  in  the  distribution  of  the  good  things  which  were 
served.     The  following  night  the  young  man  rose  in  great 
agony,  saying,  this  woman  had  choked  him,  and  that  if  she 
did  so  the  following  night,  it  would  surely  kill  him      The 
succeeding  night  he  was  heard  to  utter  a  terrible  cry,  and  as 
he  screamed,  his  friends  rushed  in,  but  he  was  dead.    No  one 
was  discovered  in  the  room  who  could  have  effected  his  death 
It  has  been  said  that  Mr.  Webster  himself  saw  the  prints  of 
fingers  upon  his  throat.     The  supposed  witch,  when  asked  if 
she  was  guilty,  acknowledged  she  was.     She  was  taken  to  the 
top  of  the  hill  east  of  the  Castle,  killed  with  an  axe  and  buried 
among  the  rocks. 


i^ 


A 
^ 


TitADITIONS. 


47 


fate,  he  uttered  a 
^ight  to  the  place 
■  Several  instan- 
occurred  since  the 
tnd  have  been  re- 
ts, some  of  whom 
aws  were  accused 
were  executed  ac- 
eed  to  deliver  up 
ested  the  Indians 
ihe  then  directed 

up  some  crotches 
e  supposed  witch 
ton  cloth  wound 
md  then  followed 
ilar  to  a  loaded 
nt,  who  exerted 
ster.     The  three 
s  alleged  against 
lerefore  disposed 
on  which  one  of 
Indians  had  pur- 
ose  of  making  a 
ig  man  who  was 
ian  woman  with 
ings  which  were 
n  rose  in  great 
and  that  if  she 
kill  him.     The 
ible  cry,  and  as 

dead.  No  one 
ected  his  death. 
w  the  prints  of 

when  asked  if 
as  taken  to  the 
axe  and  buried 


Another  of  the  three  was  accused  of  killing  five  persons. 
They  said  she  plucked  deer's  hairs  and  made  them  sharp  like 
arrows,  and  sent  them  deep  into  their  flesh,  in  an  invisible 
manner,  which  finally  found  their  way  to  the  heart  and  pro- 
duced death.  Although  exhorted  to  retire  out  of  the  way, 
she  voluntarily  went  to  the  usual  place  of  execution,  and  was 
dispatched  with  a  tomahawk. 

Tlio  last  one,  had  been  suspected  for  a  long  time  of  deal- 
ing with  the  wicked  spirit.  Flaming  heads  and  fiery  serpents, 
had  been  seen  to  enter  her  wigwam  for  several  successive  nights. 
.  Strange  noises  were  heard  after  their  entrance,  as  if  persons 
were  struggling  for  life.  Whereupon  she  was  accused,  ad- 
judged guilty  of  witchcraft,  and  sentenced  to  death,  which 
sentence  was  executed  like  the  former.  In  all  these  cases, 
there  seemed  to  be  a  desire  in  the  accused  persons  to  receive 
the  accorded  sentence,  and  they  invariably  courted  death,  wuh 
all  the  fortitude  of  martyrs  to  a  holier  cause. 

The  Indians  had  a  practice  to  which  they  sometimes  re- 
sorted for  conquering  witches,  or  "  laijmg"  the  evil  spirit,  the 
father  of  them.  The  wicked  spirit,  they  believe  to  be  a  great 
serpent  under  ground.  Where  he  was  present,  there  would 
rise  a  knoll,  and  whenever  he  moved  away,  the  place  would 
sink  again  to  a  level. 

The  reason  why  they  never  destroyed  rattle-snakes  was, 
because  they  believed  them  the  offspring  of  the  great  serpent, 
the  devil,  and  if  they  destroyed  any  of  his  offspring,  they 
could  have  no  success  in  hunting.     Hence  they  always  passed 
them  unharmed.      The  mode  of  allaying  the  wrath  of  the 
great  serpent,  the  father  of  wizards  and  witches,  was,  for  a 
number  of  the  most  resolute  warriors  to  proceed  to  the  spot 
where  it  wns  most  likely  he  then  inhabited,  climb  a  small  sap- 
ling, lay  hold  of  the  topmost  branches  and  bend  it  down  to  the 
ground,  binding  the  branches  around  the  body  of  the  tree 
quite  down  to  the  root,  making  all  the  time  a  peculiar  noise! 
a  they  met  with  no  interruption  and  succeeded  in  fastening 
the  top  of  the  tree  securely  to  the  bottom,  the  devil  was 
allayed  and  the  power  of  the  witches  dispelled. 


48 


ONONDAGA. 


snj!i^''  \  '^  '^''''°"  P''^"''"'  '^"^'^^g  t^^""'  that  the  evil 

to  the  body.  As  an  instance  in  point,  an  Indian  woman 
came  into  the  house  of  a  white  neighbor  one  day  trS 
frightened ;  she  ran  to  the  hearth,  spat  upon  her  hands,  di' 
pad  hem  m  the  ashes  and  with  her  finger  made  a  cross  up!n 
her  face;  then  turning  suddenly  round  exclaimed,  '^ there 
<lefy  you  "  If  we  mistake  not,  here  is  a  relic  of  ;ncient  Ko 
man  Catholic  teaching,  two  hundred  years  ago^epentl' 
ashes,— remember  the  cross.  ^        ^        " 

On  the  authority  of  some  of  the  older  inhabitants  of  Onon- 
daga It  IS  stated  that  on  a  ledge  of  rocks,  about  a  mile  south 
ot    Jamesville,  is  a  place  which  used  to  be  pointed  out  by  the 
Indians  as  the  spot  where  the   Great  Spirit  once  came  down 
and  sut  and  gave  good  advice  to  the  chiefs  of  the  Onondagas. 
Ihat  there,  are  the  prints  of  his  hands  and  his  feet  left  in  the 
rocks  still  to  be  seen.     In  former  years  the  Onondagas  use.l 
annually  to  offer  at  this  place,  tobacco  and  pipes,  and  to  burn 
tobacco  and  herbs  as  a  sacrifice  to  the  Great  Spirit,  to  con- 
cihate  his  favor  and  which  was  a  means  of  preventing  diseases. 
Ihere  is  a   tradition  among  the  Onondagas,  that  some 
twenty  years  before  the  revolutionary  war,  about  thirty  fami- 
lies came  from  Canada  and  settled  among  them.     Some  of 
these  people  settled  along  the  hill  west  of  the  Castle  and  oth- 
ers m  the  present  town  of  La  Fayette.   After  a  while  the  In- 
dians became  dissatisfied  with  them  and  drove  them  away 
Pretending  to  fill  their  sacks  Avith  pounded  corn,  they  only 
put  in  them  ashes,  covering  the  mouth  of  the  sacks  with  meal 
Ihe  company  all  miserably  perished  on  the  shores  of  lake 
Ontario. 

The  colonists  had  brought  out  a  blacksmith  with  them,  who 
refused  to  return  with  his  countrymen  to  Canada.  His  stay 
among  the  Indians,  was  in  no  way  agreeable  to  them.  They 
took  him  and  bound  him  to  a  tree,  heated  a  large  chain,  with 
an  axe  attached  to  it,  hung  it  around  his  neck  and  roasted 
mm  to  death. 

Their  notions  of  thunder  and  lightning  are  peculiar.   Thun- 


i 


4 


TRADITIONS. 


49 


iCuHar.    Thun- 


<ler,  they  call  Ec-soot-a-haut,  which  means  the  grandfather  of 
tlio  power  of  tlie  Great  Spirit,  and  they  believe  he  manifests 
his  power  by  the  r-  ng,  and  by  shaking  the  earth,  thereby 
commaiuling  his  chii...en,  the  people  of  the  earth,  to  reverence 
his  power  and  to  obey  him. 

Liglitning,  they  call  Oc-hees-taw,  which  they  say,  shows 
how  quick  he  can  send  his  power  and  destruction  among  those 
who  are  disobedient. 

The  Indians  seem  to  have  no  true  knowledge  of  the  origin 
or  cause  of  the  phenomena  of  lightning  and  thunder,  but 
judge  of  them  entirely  as  they  appear  to  their  senses. 

The  ceremony  or  institution  of  marriage,  among  the  In- 
dians scarcely  deserves  a  name.     Marriage  of  near  kindred  is 
however  prohibited,  and  those  of  the  same  clan  may  not  in- 
termarry.   An  Eagle  may  not  marry  an  Eagle  male  or  female  ; 
a  Bear  may  not  marry  a  Bear,  and  so  of  the  rest.     Mar- 
riages among  the  superior  clans  of  a  different  name  is  en- 
couraged,  and  so  of  the  inferior;  but  intermarriage    between 
I   the  superior  and  inferior  clans,  is  by  no  means  interdicted. 
The  different  nations  frequently  intermarry,  and  these  mar- 
riages are  also  encouraged.     Thus  the  league  itself  is  more 
strongly  cemented,  and  by  the  due  observance  of  these  rules, 
the  clans  are  more  elosely  united,  intermixture  of  blood  is 
prevented  and  their  whole  system  magnified  and  firmly  es- 
tablished.    Whatever  of  sanctity  may  attach  to  the  contract 
of  marriage  in  the  outset,  the  simple  covenant  is  easily  bro- 
ken, and  the  wife  or  husband  is  often  repudiated  on  the  slight- 
est cause,  and  the  family  usually  left  to  follow  the  fortunes 
of  the  mother. 

Rights  of  property  are  not  conveyed  by  marriage.  The 
husband  only  retains  his  own,  and  has  no  claim  upon  that  of 
his  wife ;  and  if  separation  takes  place,  each  individual  retires 
with  his  or  her  original  fortune.  If  the  connection  is  not  a 
happy  one,  or  difliculties  arise  between  parties,  they  resolve 
to  separate.  Neither  is  marriage  or  divorce  subject  to  any 
particular  form  or  ceremony  or  restraint.  They  follow  the 
inclination  of  their  own  uncontrolled  will  and  pleasure ;  and 

7 


m 


ONONDA(iA. 


disgrace  is  no  concomitant  of  marriage,  repudiation  or  di- 
vorce. Notwithstanding  the  laxity  of  the  laws  of  marriage, 
a  great  majority  of  instances  are  crowned  with  happy  results. 
The  wife  enters  the  cabin  of  her  lord,  prepared,  according  to 
custom,  to  fill  her  allotted  station,  which  is  to  do  all  the 
drudgery  and  labor  of  the  cabin,  and  much  of  that  of  the  field 
— a  hewer  of  wood  and  drawer  of  Avater  to  him  who  is  only  to 
be  employed  as  a  warrior,  a  hunter,  or  counsellor.  At  the 
present  time  the  labors  of  the  women  are  not  as  slavish  or 
arduous  as  formerly ;  but  even  now,  the  female  is  not  only 
sometimes  engaged  in  the  culture  and  harvest  of  corn,  but  in 
the  more  laborious  occupation  of  gathering  and  preparing 
fuel  for  the  cabin. 

Among  the  Indians,  family  discipline  is  exceedingly  lax 
and  not  often  resorted  to.  Among  them,  one  of  the  most 
common  methods  of  correcting  children,  is  in  the  application 
of  water.  If  a  child  is  disobedient  and  will  not  heed  reproof, 
the  parent  often  takes  water  in  the  mouth  and  spurts  over  the 
child,  if  the  child  still  remains  refractory,  it  is  divested  of 
its  clothes  and  plunged  into  cold  water  until  it  yields  and 
become  submissive. 

The  Indians  have  a  singular  practice  in  cases  of  extreme 
sickness,  especialy  among  persons  of  distinction.  In  the  case 
of  the  illness  of  the  wife  of  Ca-whic-do-ta,  which  occurred  in 
1793,  fearing  she  would  die,  the  Indians  gathered  eight  or 
ten  bu&nels  of  ashes  and  placed  them  in  a  pile  near  the  hut 
in  which  she  lay.  They  then  rolled  one  of  their  number 
closely  in  blankets,  sewed  them  firmly  around  her,  then  plac- 
ing her  at  a  corner  of  the  cabin  in  which  the  sick  patient  lay, 
they  expected  the  Great  Spirit  would  communicate  to  the  one 
wrapped  in  blankets,  whether  the  patient  would  recover  or 
die.  Ashes  were  then  scattered  all  around  the  cabin  high  in 
the  air.  By  these  manoeuvres  they  hoped  to  call  down  some 
guardian  spirit,  who  should  inform  the  person  wrapi)ed  in 
blankets  of  a  speedy  recovery  of  the  patient.  At  this  time 
the  enveloped  prophetess  gave  answer  that  the  patient  would 
recover,  which  eventually  took  place.     The  same  practice  still 


TRADITIONS, 


ol 


prevails  to  some  extent,  though  occurrences  of  this  kind  are 
far  less  frequent. 

The  most  ancient  mode  of  burial  by  the  Iroquois,  says  La 
Fort,  was  first  to  place  the  corpse  upon  a  scaffold  some  eight 
feet  high,  made  by  setting  crotches  and  laying  poles  across, 
attached  or  near  to  one  corner  of  the  cabin  of  the  nearest 
friend  of  the  deceased.  There  the  body  was  left  exposed  till 
the  flesh  had  completely  fallen  off.  After  this,  the  skeleton 
was  buried,  placing  the  bones  of  the  feet  first,  crowning  the 
pile  with  the  skull.  This  method  is  said  to  be  practised  at 
the  present  day  among  some  of  the  far  western  nations. 
When  numbers  were  slain  in  battle,  the  same  authority  ob- 
serves, they  were  gathered  and  laid  in  tiers  one  above  ano- 
ther and  a  high  mound  raised  over  them. 

How  late  the  practice  of  letting  the  corpse  remain  exposed, 
till  the  flesh  disappeared  from  the  bones,  prevailed,  we  have 
not  the  means  of  knowing.     But  the  practice  pursued  when 
the  whites  first  came  among  the  Indians  at  Onondaga,  was  like 
this :  They  dressed  the  corpse  (if  a  man)  in  a  shirt,  a  coat  and 
leggings,  sometimes  made  of  skins,  at  other  times  of  cloth,  as 
Avas  most  convenient.     A  pair  of  deer-skin  moccasins  covered 
the  feet,  and  a  cap  of  fur  the  head.     The  corpse  was  then 
ready  for  the  burial.     Their  graves  were  usually  dug  about 
three  feet  deep.     Barks  were  cut  and  pealed,  of  the  length 
of  the  grave,  pieces  were  fitted  for  the  bottom,  sides  and  ends, 
and  then  placed  in  the  grave ;  a  single  broad  piece  was  fitted 
for  a  covering.     The  corpse  was  then  brought  to  the  grave  on 
poles  bound  together  for  a  bier.     He  was  then  lowered  into 
his  bark  coflSn,  when  an  Indian  woman  approached  with  a  ket- 
tle of  provisions,  a  pair  of  moccasins,  with  pieces  of  deer-skin, 
and  with  sinews  of  the  deer  to  sew  the  patches  on  the  mocca- 
sins which  it  was  supposed  the  deceased  would  wear  out  on  hia 
journey  to  the  land  of  spirits.     These  were  carefully  deposited 
in  the  bark  coffin.     Then  came  an  Indian  with  bows  and  ar- 
rows, (or  sometimes,  if  a  distinguished  person,  a  rifle,)  a  toma- 
hawk and  knife.     These  also  were  ceremoniously  laid  in  the 
cofl5n,  and  were  considered  indispensable  to  a  prosperous  and 


62 


ONONDAGA. 


happy  journey,  in  procuring  provisions  on  the  way  to  the  bliss- 
ful  regions  of  Ha-wah-ne-u.  After  these  things  were  deposi- 
ted,  the  final  covering  was  carefully  placed  over  the  whole 
and  the  grave  closed  with  earth.  This  done,  the  Indian  wo- 
men kneeled  down  around  the  grave  and  wept.  The  men  for 
a  time  were  silent,  but  after  a  while  they  set  up  a  doleful  cry 
chaunted  the  death  dirge,  and  all  silently  retired  to  their 
homes. 

In  former  years,  after  the  burial  of  a  friend,  the  Ononda- 
gas  used  to  visit  the  grave  for  twelve  successive  days,  before 
sunrise  and  after  sunset,  and  there  with  sighs  and  moans  make 
great  lamentation  over  it.  Whenever  they  lost  a  dear  friend 
away  from  home,  they  buried  him  with  great  solemnity,  set- 
ting a  mark  upon  the  grave,  and  ever  after,  when  they  passed 
that  way,  visited  the  spot,  usually  singing  a  mournful  son-, 
and  casting  stones  upon  it.  '^ 

At  this  day  their  burials  are  conducted  similar  to  those  of 
the  white  peoph'  The  Indians  themselves  speaking  the  eu- 
logy of  the  deceased  as  they  are  moved  before  burial. 

Father  Henepin,  Lib.  II,  page  115,  speaking  of  Indian  bu- 
r'.als  in  1678,  says :    "  The  savages  bury  their  dead  with  the 
greatest  magnificence  they  can  devise;  especially  their  rela- 
tives, and  more  particularly  their  captains  or  heads  of  tribes. 
They  place  them  in  a  sort  of  coffin  made  of  the  barks  of  trees 
and  they  polish  the  outside  neatly  with  pummice  stones,  and 
they  form  the  place  in  which  they  bury  them  in  the  manner 
of  a  mausoleum,  which  they  encompass  with  palisadoes  twelve 
or  thirteen  feet  high.     They  bury  with  tlie  deceased  whatever 
IS  esteemed  valuable,  sometimes  to  the  amount  of  two  or  three 
hundred  crowns.     If  a  man,  they  bury  with  him  a  gun,  pow- 
der and  balls.     But  those  that  have  no  fire-arms  are  content 
with  putting  in  the  coffin  their  bows  and  arrows,  a  potful  of 
sagamite  or  pottage  of  Indian  corn  and  some  fat  meat."    This 
agrees  with  what  other  early  French  writers  say  upon  this 
subject. 


RITES  AND  CKREMONIES, 


58 


CHAPTER   III. 


PAGAN  RITES  AND   CEREMONIES. 


mom-nful  soriir, 


Religious  Beuef-Annuai,  Feasts-Sacrifices-Dances-Remarks. 

It  is  not  at  all  surprising,  that  a  people  as  wise,  warlike, 
and  sagacious,  as  were  the  Iroquois,  should  be  marked  by  pe- 
culiar religious  institutions.     From  time  immemorial,  having 
been  shut  out  from  the  lights  of  civilization  and  the  influences 
of  pure  religion,  with  the  traditionary  faith  of  their  forefa- 
thers always  orally  transmitted ;  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at, 
tliat  their  religious  opinions  are  implicitly  believed,  most  scru- 
pulously adhered  to,  and  practiced  with    a  zeal  and  fidelity 
worthy  of  all  commendation.     Among  the  Pagan  portion, 
there  is  no  difference  of  opinion  in  religious  matters.     They 
ure  agreed  in  sentiment ;  their  aim  is  the  public  good.     In- 
dividual virtues  are  cultivated,  and  these  are  explained  and 
illustrated  in  their  Pagan  ceremonies. 

They  believe  in  one  Croat  and  Good  Spirit,  styled  in  the 
language  of  the  Onondagas,  Ila-wah-ne-u,  who  is  the  Crea- 
tor of  the  World ;  the  Holder  of  the  Heavens ;  tho  Master 
of  Breath  ;  the  maker  of  men  and  useful  animals.  He  is  the 
controller  of  events;  He  rules  the  destinies  of  men;  sup- 
plies them  with  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  life  ;  makes 
abundance  of  game  in  the  hunting  grounds,  and  supplies  the 
streams  with  fish  and  the  air  with  birds.  He  is  believed  to 
be  the  peculiar  Deity  of  the  red  man,  and  they  are  his  pecu- 
liar people. 

To  this  Great  and  Good  Being  they  address  their  prayers, 
render  thanks  for  success  in  hunting,  and  for  victories  in  war.' 


H 


ONONDAGA. 


To  him  they  offer  sacrifices,  and  chaunt  their  songs  of  praise 
Those  things  they  do  mth  a  regularity,  devotion  and  rever- 
ence, in  the  midst  of  a  Christian  people,  within  the  influences 
ot  he  G  ospel ;  and  adhere  to  them  with  a  tenacity  that  should 
make  their  Christian  neighbors  ashamed. 

In  each  year,  they  hold  five  stated  festivals,  for  a  general 
assembling  of  their  clans.  Upon  these  occasions,  all  join 
in  thanksgiving  to  the  Great  and  Good  Spirit,  for  blessings 
received  at  his  beneficent  hand ;  and  the  old  men  converse 
upon  the  best  means  of  meriting  his  favors,  and  of  continuing 
them  in  future.  ^ 

The  first  of  these  festivals  is  held  in  spring,  directly  after 
the  season  for  making  sugar  is  past.     They  give  thanks  for 
the  abundance  of  sap,  and  for  the  quantity  of  sugar  they 
have  been  permitted  to  make.     The  aged  chiefs  harangue  the 
people  in  expressions  of  thankfulness,  urging  the  necessity 
of  national  gratitude,  describing  the  course  which  the  young 
men  ought  to  pursue,  in  order  to  merit  a  continuance  of  the 
favors  of  Ha-wah-ne-u.     A  straight  line  is  pointed  out,  upon 
which  all  good  people  are  directed  to  walk,  by  placing  one 
foot  directly  before  the  other,  and  so  proceed  until  they  come 
to  the  end.     They  are  admonished  that  there  should  be  no 
deviation   to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left,  into  the  paths  of 
vice,  but  keep  straight  forward  in  the  ways  of  rectitude  and 
virtue,  which  m  the  end  leads  to  the  mansions  of  Ha-wah- 
ne-u.     This  festival  is  usually  closed  with  dances,  singing  and 
games.  o    &  "  " 

The  second  festival  is  immediately  after  corn-planting,  at 
which  time  they  return  thanks  for  the  fair  weather  they  have 
had  during  the  preparation  of  the  ground,  for  the  good  seed- 
time, and  are  instructed  by  the  aged  men,  in  the  means  to  be 
used  to  secure  an  abundant  harvest,  and  invoke  the  Great 
Spirit  to  promote  a  rapid  and  luxuriant  growth,  and  that  the 
green  corn  may  come  early  to  maturity. 

When  the  green  corn  becomes  fit  for  use,  and  directly  after 
the  first  ears  are  broken  off,  they  hold  the  third  festival, 
called  the  green  corn  feast. 


RITES  AND   CEREMONIES. 


65 


3,  for  a  general 
isions,  all  join 
it,  for  blessings 
men  converse 
il  of  continuing 

,  directly  after 
jive  thanks  for 
of  sugar  they 
3  harangue  the 
the  necessity 
ich  the  young 
nuance  of  the 
ited  out,  upon 
•y  placing  one 
ntil  they  come 
should  be  no 
'  the  paths  of 
rectitude  and 
i  of  Ha-wah- 
s,  singing  and 

i-planting,  at 
ler  they  have 
le  good  seed- 
!  means  to  be 
^e  the  Great 
and  that  the 

lircctly  after 
ird  festival, 


■■3 


At  this  festival  thanks  are  rendered  for  the  peculiar  gift  of 
this  inestimable  blessing.     Large  quantities  of  corn  are  pro- 
vided, both  boiled  and  r,  isted,  upon  which  all  partake  with 
unscrupulous  relish.     Songs  and  dances  enter  largely  into  the 
ceremonies  on  this  occasion,  and  the  famous  succotash  dance 
concludes  the  whole.     The  pipe  of  peace  is  usually  smoked  on 
these  festival  days  by  the  head  men  of  the  nation,  from  the 
eldest  to  the  younger,  in  succession  to  the  last.     This  is  one 
of  the  most  joyous  and  merry-making  festivals  in  the  Indian 
calendar.     The  women  are   engaged,    days   beforehand,   in 
making  preparation,  and  have  the  principal  management  of 
the  feast.     The  aged  matron  and  the  coy  maiden  are  alike 
active  and  busy  in  procuring  materials,  and  in  distributing  the 
contents  of  the  kettles  in  which  the  corn  has  been  boiled,  and 
it  is  truly  amusing  to  ree  with  what  cunning,  archness  and 
address  they  will  palm  off  an  ear  of  hot  corn  upon  an  unsus- 
pecting youth. 

Their  fourth  festival  is  celebrated  immediately  after  corn 
harvest ;  usually  about  the  first  of  November.  At  this  time, 
they  return  thanks  for  the  harvest,  and  the  usual  festivities 
are  gone  through  with,  of  music,  singing  and  dancing.  The 
whole  concluding  with  the  peace  dance. 

The  four  preceding  festivals  occupy  but  one  day  each. 
In  former  times,  three  days  were  allotted  to  each. 

The  fifth  or  last  festival,  the  crowning  one  of  the  year,  and 
the  one  to  which  most  importance  is  attached,  is  celebrated 
late  in  the  month  of  January,  or  early  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary, according  to  the  phasis  of  the  moon.  The  Indian  year 
is  reckoned  by  moons,  and  this  great  national  festival  is  held  in 
the  old  moon  nearest  to  the  first  of  our  month  February. 

The  hunters  having  all  returned  from  the  chase,  and  having 
brought  in  their  venison  and  skins  that  have  been  taken,  and 
a  portion  of  these  trophies  having  been  deposited  in  the  coun- 
cil-house, two  sets  of  managers  are  appointed,  numbering 
from  ten  to  twenty  young  men  on  a  side.  These  are  chosen 
to  superintend  all  the  concerns  relative  to  the  grand  festival, 
thanksgiving  and  sacrifice,  which  are  immediately  to  take  place! 


56 


ONONDAGA. 


Arrangements  are  made  at  the  council-house  for  the  reception 
and  accommodation  of  the  whole  nation.  This  being  done, 
the  managers  arc  ready  to  commence  their  appropriate  duties,' 
(luring  the  whole  of  which  they  act  with  great  formality, 
order  and  decorum. 

On  the  first  day  a  select  number  from  each  party  of  the 
managers,  some  four  or  hve,  start  from  the  council-house,  and 
run  with  all  pos'^ible  speed  to  every  cabin  in  the  nation, 
knocking  on  the  doors  and  sides  of  the  houses,  informing  the 
people  that  all  things  are  now  ready,  and  that  they  must  im- 
mediately repair  to  the  council-hor  o  aiiu  paiiake  of  the  festi- 
vities of  the  occasion.    At  this  time,  this  portion  of  the  commit- 
tee of  arrangements,  are  nearly  naked,  covered  only  by  a  waist- 
cloth  girded  about  the  loins  reaching  down  nearly  to  the  knee, 
with  moccasins  on  their  feet,  their  faces  and  bodies  painted' 
and  plumes  upon  their  heads.     The  fire  is  now  extinguished 
in  every  cabin,  the  committee  enter  the  dwellings  {the  inmates 
expecting  them,)  and  with  a  small  wooden  shovel  scatter  the 
ashes  about  in  every  direction.     The  hearths  are  made  clean  ; 
new  fire  is  struck  from  the  flint  and  rekindled ;  thus  they 
proceed  from  house  to  house  till  every  one  is  visited  and  puri- 
fied.    During  these  proceedings,  the  remaining  part  of  the 
managers  are  engaged  at  the  council-house,  in  firing  guns, 
hallooing,  shouting  &c.,  to  inform  the  people,  that  the^'cere- 
monies  have  commenced.     They  meet  all  those  who  come  to 
the  festival,  greet  them  most  cordially  and  conduct  them  into 
the  council-house. 

This  is  the  course  pursued  on  the  first  day.  The  second 
day,  the  managers  assemble  early  at  the  -ouncil-house,  and 
receive  from  the  master  of  ceremonies,  instructions  for  the 
day.  When  ready  to  depart,  several  guns  are  usually  fired 
accompanied  by  shouting  and  hallooing.  On  this  day  the 
managers  are  fantastically  dressed,  and  proceed  from  house 
to  house  A  h  baskets,  collecting  the  gifts  of  the  people  witli 
which  to  grace  the  festival.  These  gifts  consist  of  pork,  beef, 
bread,  beans,  peas,  ears  of  corn,  tobacco,  savory  herbs,  small 
handfuls  of  straw  nicely  bound,  and  every  article  is  received, 


RITES    AND    CEREMONIES, 


57 


)r  the  reception 
lis  being  done, 
:opriatc  dutiea, 
•eat  formality, 

li  party  of  the 
ncil-house,  and 
in  the  nation, 
informing  the 
tliey  must  im- 
ce  of  the  festi- 
of  the  commit- 
nly  by  a  waist- 
y  to  the  knee, 
odies  painted, 
extinguished 
s  (the  inmates 
el  scatter  the 
B  made  clean ; 
d ;  thus  they 
ited  and  pur?- 
;  part  of  the 
I  firing  guns, 
hat  the  cere- 
who  come  to 
net  them  into 

The  second 
iil-house,  and 
tions  for  the 
usually  fired 
this  day  the 
I  from  house 
!  people  with 
f  pork,  beef, 
herbs,  small 
;  is  rccci\  ("1, 


1 


that  \d  useful  for  food,  for  incense  or  for  sacrifice.  Every 
one  is  bound  to  give  something,  or  he  is  not  to  be  included 
in  the  general  absolution.  Each  manager  in  his  round  of 
alms-gathering,  carries  a  large  rattle  made  of  dried  tortoise- 
shell,  in  which  are  small  stoiK's,  peas  or  beans.  These  they 
rattle  violently  in  the  several  cabins,  earnestly  inviting  the 
people  to  bestow  their  gifts.  These  proceedings  are  continued 
for  several  days,  according  to  the  time  allotted  for  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  festival.  During  all  this  time,  the  people 
who  are  assembled  at  the  council-house,  are  engaged  in  leap- 
ing, running,  dancing  and  their  native  sports. 

On  the  first  of  the  last  three  days,  the  committee  cover 
their  faces  with  masks,  dress  themselves  in  old  blankets,  frag- 
ments of  old  buff'alo  robes,  kc,  bedaubing  themselves  with 
soot  and  grease,  in  which  frightful  and  ludicrous  appearance 
they  run  from  house  to  house  with  baskets,  crying,  "  give, 
give."  Every  individual  who  refuses  to  comply  with  this 
reasonable  request,  is  saluted  with  a  rub  from  these  solicitors, 
which  leaves  a  mark  of  disgrace  not  easily  eff'aced. 

While  these  things  are  going  on,  it  is  supposed  they  are 
collecting  the  sins  of  the  people,  and  concentrating  all  the 
evils  of  the  nation  within  themselves,  which  are  to  be  expia- 
ted by  the  approaching  sacrifice.  On  the  evening  of  this 
day,  they  hold  a  most  ludicrous  dance,  called  by  the  whitf 
people  "  the  devil's  dance,"  in  which  they  "  dance  off  the 
witches."  Notliing  can  appear  more  loathsome  and  abhor- 
rent  than  do  the  participators  in  this  dance.  Covered  with 
grease,  coal-dust  ad  soot,  dressed  in  old  worn  out  rags  of 
blankets,  tattered  buffalo  noes,  hair  side  oui,  with  masks  of 
paper,  bark,  and  i.nsks  of  corn;  add  to  this  the  yells  and 
rude  music  of  the  savage,  and  indeed  it  may  well  be  styled 
"a  dance  of  devils." 

On  the  day  precedin     the  last,  the  managers  having  gath- 
ered all  the  ills  of  the  nation  to  themselves,  and  mane  a  full 
report  of  all  their  proc( -dings  to  the    »erson  who  officiates  ;' 
high  pn.  t  or  master  of  ceremonies,  the  day  is  spent  in  prep- 
aration for  the  great  day  of  sacrifice  which  is  to  take  place  on 


'•I! 


58 


ONONDAGA. 


the  morro.-.     This  day  is  condudod  .vith  demonstrations  of 

joy,  lostivity  mid  (hincing. 

The  last  day  and  the  one  to  which  mo«t  consequen.-n  is  at- 
tached,  bong  the  great  day  of  Hacrifico,  the  poo  do  assombh- 
at  the  counod-houso  in  great  numhors.     The  exorciscH  com- 
mence 1>7  bu.  .hng  htrgo  fires  early  in  the  morning,  by  firi„. 
guns  and  loud  hallooing.     The  wood  for  the  sacrificial  offorin: 

cordT' h   "T  f"  ^^""^"■>'--'  b^  '-y'»o-  "oar  half  I 
cord,  in  alternate  layers  crosswise.     This  is  done  by  a  select 

committee  of  the  managers,  who  proceed  with  considerable 
ceremony.  •«o.»un, 

A  house  near  the  council-house  is  selected  as  a  place  in 

■vhich  to  make  preparation.     To  this  the  managers  procee.l 

and  prepare  themselves  for  the  occasion.     One  from  each' 

party  „  solectod  as  a  loader.     They  are  dressed  in  long  loose 

sh,rts  of  wh.te,  and  others  are  appropriately  dressed,  as  manu- 

gers  &c    according  to  the  duties  they  are  expected  to  per. 

orra.     The  gran.l  master  of  ceremonies  or  high  priest  t'.ke, 

■s  station  at  the  cnmcil-house,  and  to  him,  r:p„,';;:::  ^at 

rec  ion,     "m"       P™"»°'''»S''  »''  <>«  '«  t"™  gives  „e.  di- 
rection.,.     Messengers  are  continually  passing  and  renassinff 
from  the  conncil-house  to  the  house  of  preparation.     On   h? 
occasion  at  wh.oh  notes  for  this  article  were  taken,  the  veno 
able  Capta,n   lonncs,  fOh-he-nu)  presided  with  great  ,li™„i,v 
Having  arnved  at  an  early  hour,  we  found  this  gray-hluled 
h,ef,  gravely  seated  near  the  centre  of  the  c^moil-house 
discoursing  to  his  people,  receiving  messages  .and  givi„rdi 
ections.     One  of  these  messengers,  a  femai;  particTri;  at 
tractea  attention.     She  was  dressed  throughout  in  a  new  »". 
of  fine  blue  woolen  cloth.     Her  legging"   (pantalets)  w 
mo  t  fancifully  adorned  with  small  white  beads  and  brooches 
and  the  lower  part  of  the  skirt,  which  came  below  the  knee' 
was  ornamented  in  the  same  manner.     Over  the  whole  was' 
an  ample  covering  of  plain  blue  cloth,  sweeping  the  ground  at 
every  step.     Dp„n  her,  seemed  to  devolve,  he'dutylif  ,,  pe 
mtending  the  feast.     She  had  as  asseciates,  two  vlnn.  ma   - 
ens  dressed  precisely  like  herself.     To  tiieso  evjry  oile  .,ave 


4 

t 

I 


RITES  AND  CEREMONIKS. 


59 


oraonstrations  of 

onseqiionce  is  at- 
pcoplo  asHcinblc 

0  exorcises  coin- 
ornin^,  hy  firing 
acrificial  offerin«» 
ing  near  half  a 
ilonc  by  a  solect 
ith  considerable 

1  as  a  place  in 
lagera  proceed, 
Jne  from  each 
3d  in  long  loose 
esaed,  as  mana- 
pected  to  per- 
;h  priest,  takes 
ports  are  made 

1  gives  new  di- 
and  repassing 
ttion.     On  the 
ken,  the  vene- 
great  dignity. 
3  gray-headed 
council-house, 
md  giving  di- 
irticularly  at- 
in  a  new  suit 
ntalets)  were 
ind  brooches, 
low  the  knee, 
ho  whole  was 
he  ground  at 
ity  of  puper- 
yoiing  maid- 
'I'J  one  gave 


1 
I 


uiiy,  and  throughout  the  cerenionie»  they  were  treated  with 
I  he  greatest  deference  and  respect. 

About  nine  o'clock,  the  managers  rushed  out  of  the  house 
of  preparation,  and  two  white  dogs  fantastically  painted  with 
red  figures  and  adorned  with  small  belts  of  wampum,  feathers 
and  ribbons  tied  around  their  nocks,  legs  and  tails,  followed 
thciu.  A  long  rope  with  a  single  knot  in  the  centre  was  in- 
stantly passed  over  the  head  of  one  of  them,  when  some  eight 
or  ten  of  the  managers  seized  the  ropo  on  either  side,  com- 
menced pulling  lustily,  each  party  occasionnlly  yielding  to  the 
other,  as  if  to  give  greater  force  to  their  operations.  After 
;i  few  struggles,  the  dog  Avns  suffocated  and  hung  up  on  a  lad- 
der which  leaned  against  the  house.  The  other  dog  was  dis- 
posed of  in  precisely  the  same  miinner,  and  hung  beside  his 
fellow.  Guns  were  now  fired,  and  some  thirty  or  forty  per- 
sons rushed  out  of  the  council-house,  gave  three  tremen- 
dous yells,  and  retired.  After  about  half  an  hour,  the  dogs 
were  taken  down  and  carried  into  the  house  of  preparation. 
To  this  house  spectators  were  not  admitted,  and  what  particu- 
lar ceremonies  were  there  performed,  M'e  have  no  means  of 
knowing. 

These  dogs  are  always  white,  or  as  nearly  so  as  they  can 
procure  them ;  spot  or  blemish  renders  them  unsuitable  for 
sacrifice.  A  wound  producing  an  effusion  of  blood,  would 
be  productive  of  the  same  consequences. 

By  some  peculiar  manoeuvering,  the  sins  of  the  people 
which  had  become  concentrated  in  the  managers  arc  now 
transferred  to  the  two  individuals  who  arc  clad  in  the  white 
giirnients.  These  by  some  peculiar  ceremony,  again  work 
them  off  into  the  dogs.  These  animals,  thus  laden  with  the 
sins  of  the  nation,  are  raised  upon  the  shoulders  of  two  per- 
sons appointed  for  the  purpose,  (their  legs  being  tied  so  as  to 
admit  of  their  being  slung  like  a  pack).  A  procession  is 
formed  in  ranks  of  double  files,  preceded  by  the  two  men 
dressed  in  Avliite,  and  others  of  the  mantigers,  followed  by  as 
many  others  as  may  choose  to  join  them.  The  procession 
moves  slowly  and  silently  with  measured  step,  around  the 


m 


60 


ONONDAGA. 


house  of  preparation,  through  the  council-house  which  has 
two  doors,  one  opposite  the  other,  and  around  it.  After 
which,  they  are  brought  in,  and  the  dogs  laid  upon  a  plat- 
form about  a  foot  from  the  floor.  As  they  enter  the  council- 
house  for  the  last  time,  they  break  into  single  file.  While 
these  ceremonies  were  going  on  at  the  house  of  preparation 
and  out  of  doors,  others  of  importance  were  observed  in  the 
council-house. 

The  offerings  which  had  been  collected  were  disposed  of 
upon  pins  around  the  council-room.     The  master  of  ceremo- 
nies, during  the  whole  progress  of  proceedings,  rcmai.ied  sta- 
tionary, seated  in  the  centre  of  the  council-room.     To  him 
were  brought,  at  different  times,  at  intervals  of  about   two 
minutes,  every  article  which  had  been  deposited.     Every  per- 
son who  brought  a  piece  of  pork,  a  paper  of  tobacco,  a  bunch 
of  herbs,  or  handful  of  straAv,  stopped  about  three  paces  from 
him,  holding   it   towards   him,  looking    him  full  in  the  face 
with  Che  greatest  attention.     After  he  liad  said  a  few  words, 
the  old  chief  took  it  in  his  hands,  over  which  he  uttered  a 
short  ejaculatory  prayer  or  thanksgiving,  after  which  a  hearty 
response  was  made  by  all  present.     It  was  then  returned  t'o 
the  place  from  which  it  had  been  taken.     Every  article  of  the 
offerings  Avas  presented  and  returned  in  like  manner.     The 
females  present  participated  in  these  ceremonies.     All  the 
messengers  wlio  addressed   the  chief  haltod  at  a  respectful 
distance,  and  stood  a  moment  in  silence  before  they  made 
their  communications.     These  events  all  transpired  at  the 
council-house  before  the  dogs  were  brought  in.     After  the 
dogs  were  brouglit  in,  the  procession,  in  single  file,  moved 
three  times  around  the  platform,  before  they,  were  laid  down. 
At  each  round,  t  •  j  master  of  ceremonies  rose  in  a  sedate  and 
dignified  manner,  clapped  his  hands  on  the  shoulders  of  the 
bearer  of  the  dog,  who  Avas  foremost  in  the  procession,     lie 
stopped  in  the  precise  position  he  was  in,  when  the  hand  of 
the  chief  was  laid  upon  his  shoulder,  and  there  remained  as 
motionless  as  a  slatne,  for  the  space  of  a  minute,  durim: 
whicli  he  was  addressed  in  a  whisper  by  tlic  master  of  cere- 


RITES   AND   CEREMONIES 


61 


ise  which  has 
ad  it.  After 
upon  a  plat- 
a*  the  council- 
i  file.  While 
f  preparation 
served  in  the 

)  disposed  of 
er  of  ceremo- 
romaiiied  sta- 
om.  To  him 
jf  about  two 
Every  per- 
acco,  a  buncli 
ie  paces  from 
ill  in  the  face 
a  few  words, 
lie  uttered  a 
lich  a  hearty 

returned  to 
article  of  the 
anner.  The 
es.  All  the 
a  respectful 
Q  they  made 
jii'ed  at  the 
After  the 

file,  moved 
e  laid  down. 
a.  sedate  and 
Iders  of  the 
ession.  lie 
the  hand  of 
"ouiained  as 
lUte,  duriii:^ 
iter  of  cere- 


monies. Several  other  chiefs,  addressed  those  Avho  carried 
the  dogs,  in  the  same  manner,  and  again  the  procession  moved 
on.  After  this  the  dogs  were  laid  upon  the  platform,  and  all 
'  joined  in  loud  singing  and  chaunting,  Avhile  the  procession 
■  continued  slowly  moving  around  the  dead  carcasses  of  the  dogs, 
with  the  most  devout  solemnity. 

While  these  ceremonies  Avere  proceeding  in  the  councll- 
^  house,  fire  had  been  applied  to  the  altar  of  Avood  out  side. 
The  pile  had  become  nearly  half  consumed  and  yielded  great 
heat ;  while  around  it,  in  a  circle  had  been  drawn  a  line,  Avithin 
Avhich  it  Avas  not  intended  spectators  should  pass.  This,  how- 
ever, availed  nothing,  for  the  moment  the  procession  had 
drawn  around  the  fire,  the  area  Avas  croAvded  to  its  utmost  ca- 
padty. 

Under  the  direction  of  Captain  Ilonnos,  the  bearers  of  the 
dogs  again  resumed  their  burdens  ;  a  procession  Avas  formed 
in  single  file,  the  master  of  ceremonies  taking  the  lead.  Then 
folloAved  the  men  in  Avhite  robes,  the  persons  Avho  carried  the 
dogs,  the  managers  and  others,  promiscuously.  As  the  pro- 
cession moved  along,  the  principal  actors  in  the  scene  com- 
menced singing,  Avliich  continued  Avhile  the  Avhole  marched 
around  the  council-house  to  the  place  of  sacrifice.  Around 
the  burning  pile  they  moA'ed  three  several  timos,  the  last  of 
which,  the  master  of  ceremonies  stopped  on  the  west  side,  Avith 
his  face  to  the  east  and  toAvards  the  fire.  The  remainder  of 
the  procession  formed  around  the  vjircle  ;  the  persons  in  Avhite 
being  on  the  left  hand  of  the  high  priest,  and  those  bearing 
the  dogs  near  to  them. 

The  leader  of  ceremonies  oflfered  a  short  prayer  to  the  Great 
Spirit,  a  sacrificial  chaunt  was  sung,  the  dogs  Avere  laid  at  the 
feet  of  the  officiating  priest,  another  prayer  Avas  offered,  an- 
other chaunt  Avas  sung,  when  one  of  the  dogs  was  cast  into 
the  fire  by  the  high  priest.  A  like  ceremony  Avas  performed 
and  the  remaining  dog  Avas  also  thrown  upon  the  burning  pile, 
and  again  folloAved  the  chaunting.  Different  individuals  noAV 
brought  forward  baskets  of  herbs,  tobacco,  and  such  like, 
which  Avcre  at  intervals  throAvn  upon  the  fire,  and  Avith  the 


ill  ,.. 
I    < 


fi 


i' 


:  I    I 


1     1i 


1  hrfil  'i 


'111! 


62 


ONONDAGA. 


consuming  dogs  produced  a  variety  of  scents,  not  easily  com- 
prehended.    After  the  dogs  were  nearly  consumed,  the  pro- 
cession was  again  formed  and  returned  to  the  council-house,  and 
the  committee  were  directed  to  go  to  the  preparation  house 
The  solemnities  of  this  day  being  concluded,  they  formally  ad- 
journed. The  accustomed  ceremonies  of  this  interesting  season 
are  usually  concluded  by  a  war-dance  and  feast,  on  the  same  day 
after  the  sacrifice.     But  on  this  occasion  it  was  adjourned  till 
the  following  day,  when  the  season  of  oblations,  invocation, 
sacrifice  and  thanksgiving,  were  concluded  with  the  war! 

DANCE. 

This  most  singular  and  interesting  of  all  the  Indian  cere- 
monies is  worthy  of  particular  remark. 

For  this  important  ceremony  about  thirty  young  braves  were 
selected,  each  of  whom  provided  himself  with  a  horse,  and 
left  the  Indian  village  alone,  and  by  different  ways  approach- 
od  a  place  previously  appointed.     When  all  were  gathered  at 
the  place  agreed  upon,  painted  in  the  most  frightful  manner, 
they  mounted  on  horseback,  without  saddles,  Avith  no  clothing 
except  a  short  and  scanty  garment  extending  from  the  waist 
r,e;irly  to  the  knee.     Each  man  was  armed  with  a  rifle,  toma- 
hawk and  scalping  knife,  and  adorned  with  a  bundle  of  scalps, 
or  ccnething  resembling  them,  hanging  from  his  girdle,  and 
%  /ew  rude  ornaments  besides.  They  proceeded  leisurely  along, 
till  within  sight  of  the  council-house,  when  the  deafening  war- 
whoop  was  raised  and  thrice  repeated,  and  their  horses  were 
at  once  put  to  their  utmost  speed.     On  arriving  at  the  coun- 
cil-house, the  horses  were  speedily  tied,  the  warriors  during 
the  time  maintaining  an  air  of  immovable  gravity.     They  pro- 
ceeded in  a  body  to  the  council-room,  where  the  chiefs  and 
aged  men,  who  had  all  the  while  been  anxiously  waiting  their 
return,  most  cordially  received  them;  asked  them  what  suc- 
cess upon  the  war-path  ;  how  many  trophies  of  victims  slain 
they  had  secured  ;  of  the  fortitude  of  the  tortured  captives ; 
the  snares  and  ambuscades  they  had  escaped ;  the  feats  of 
daring  they  had  themselves  performed ;  and  if  they  were  still 
willing  and  resolved  again  to  try  their  skill  and  courage,  and 


RITES  AND   CEREMONIES. 


63 


ot  easily  com- 
ned,  the  pro- 
cil-house,  and 
ration  house. 
■  formally  ad- 
estirig  season 
the  same  day, 
idjourned  till 
i,  invocation, 
th  the  WAR- 

Indian  cere- 
braves  were 
I  horse,  and 
'"s  approach- 
gathered  at 
ful  manner, 
no  clothing 
m  the  waist 
rifle,  toma- 
le  of  scalps, 
girdle,  and 
irely  along, 
foning  war- 
lorses  were 
t  the  coun- 
iors  during 
They  pro- 
chiefs  and 
liting  their 
what  suc- 
ctims  slain 
I  captives ; 
le  feats  of 
y  were  still 
jrage,  and 


'     to  strive  to  add  new  trophies  of  valo?  to  enrich  their  former 
fume. 

All  was  gone  through  with  in  the  most  solemn  and  affecting 
manner.     Their  stories  were  told  with  much  gesticulation  and 
earnestness.     After  the  preceding  ceremony,  commenced  the 
war-dance,  which,  for  singularity  and  effect,  and  the  thrilling 
animation  it  imparts  to  the  actors,  cannot  be  surpassed  by 
any  rite  of  modern  times.     The  fantastic  figures  and  devices 
j)ainted  on  their  almost  naked  bodies,  the  rude  head-dresses 
and  ornaments,  consisting  of  bells,  brooches,  rings,  a  profu- 
sion of  ear  and  nose  jewels,  with  doers'  hoofs  dangling  about 
their  ancles,  gave  the  performers  a  most  singular  and  gro- 
tesque appearance.     Each  warrior  held  in  his  hand  a  hatchet, 
a  war-club,  or  a  bow  and  quiver  full  of  arrows.     One  of  the 
party  was  firmly  bound  to  the  stove  pipe  as  if  to  a  tree,  and 
personified  a  prisoner.     A  young  brave,  with  long  false  beard 
and  hair  of  perfect  whiteness,  represented  by  his  appearance 
and  movements  an  old  and  wrinkled  man.     He  approached 
the  supposed  prisoner,  and  with  great  vehemence  and  earnest- 
ness of  manner,  addressed  him,  saying,  "  his  glorious  deeds 
were  now  at  an  end,— that  he  must  prepare  himself  for  tor- 
ture by  fire,— that  no  mercy  could  be  shown  him,— that  his 
character  for  heroism  should  be  established  by  the  fortitude 
with  which  he  withstood  his  sufferings."     After  the  old  man 
had  finished  his  speech,  the  whole  party  gave  the  tremendous 
war-whoop.     It  seemed  as  if  the  lower  regions  had  been  sud- 
denly broken  up,  and  that  the  inhabitants  thereof  had  made 
a  hasty  and  unceremonious  ascent  to  the  earth.     The  substi- 
tute beheld  all  their  mock  preparation  for  his  manifest  destruc- 
tion with  as  much  apparent  seriousness  as  if  the  whole  had 
been  real,  and  appeared  as  perfectly  unconcerned  and  indif- 
ferent to  all  their  movements,  as  the  coldest  stoicism  could 
make  him.     Their  rude  music  now  struck  up,  consisting  of 
blows  with  a  stick  upon  a  barrel-head  and  a  kind  of  half-drum, 
accompanied  by  the  voice.     It  would  be  utterly  impossible  to 
uescribe  the  various  attitudes  in  which  they  presented  them- 
selves,  and  the  rapidity  of  the  transition  of  one  posture  to  an- 


P 


iii 


u 


ONONDAGA, 


other  was  so  sudden,  that  the  eye  could  not  follow  them.  Look 
at  a  man  in  one  position,  and  instantly  his  form  Avould  be  im- 
perceptibly changed  to  another.  During  the  dance  the  pri- 
soner was  frec^ucntly  menaced  as  if  to  be  instantly  dispatch- 
ed with  a  war-club  or  hatchet.  At  another  time  a  bow  would 
be  drawn  Avith  its  arrow  to  the  head,  as  if  death  was  to  be  the 
immediate  consequence. 

Through  the  Whole  he  stood  as  composed  as  if  no  threats 
had  been  made,  and  occasionally  sung  of  his  own  achieve- 
ments in  the  wars  and  of  the  ignorance  of  his  ememies  in 
the  arts  of  torture.     During  the  dance  there  was  a  continual 
flourishing  of  war-clubs  and  hatchets,  and  an  unearthly  exhi- 
bition of  the  most  horrid  grimaces,  and  protraction  of  the  war- 
whoop.    The  warriors  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost  of  their 
capacity ;  the  sweat  rolled  from  their  nnked  limbs  and  bodies 
in  profusion  ;  their  breasts  heaved  from  excessive  fatigue ; 
their  nostrils  were  dilated  to  an  unaccountable  extent;  their 
eyes  flashed  with  delight,  and  their  countenances  showed  the 
workings  of  passion  intermingled  with  pleasure,  and  the  whole 
scene  was  one  of  the  most  perfect  enthusiasm  and  phrensy. 
Just  at  the  close  of  the  grand  drama,  which  had  lasted  with 
short  intervals  for  more  than  two  hours,   the  prisoner  was 
liberated,  his  bands  having  been  cut  by  a  stroke  from  a  hatch- 
et.    He  gazed  wildly  all  around  to  see  if  the  coast  was  clear; 
an  opening  was  made  lor  him  to  escape,  he  bounded  like  a 
panther  to  clear  the  ring,  but  the  war-clubs  and    hatchets 
were  flourished  over  his  head  ;    the  most  terrific  yells  were 
uttered,  and  he  firtally  sunk,  as  if  beneath  their  blows,  and 
personified  a  dying  man  in  the  most  perfect  manner.     An 
agonizing  cry  proclaimed  his  deiith ;   the   slow,  melancholy 
death  song  was  chaunted  while  the  whole  party  moved  sol- 
emnly in  single  file  around  the  apparent  dead  body  of  their 
prostrate  prisoner.     After  this,  all  passed  out  into  the  open 
far  reeking  with  perspiration  as  they  were,  and  after  a  short 
conversation  they  severally  retired  to  their  homes.     After  the 
warriors  had  left  the  council-room,  the  young  man  who  had 
so  really  acted  the  part  of  a  suffering  captive,  gradually  raised 


RITES    AND    CEREMONIES. 


65 


iv  them.  Look 
;  would  be  im- 
ance  the  pri- 
itly  dispatch- 
)  a  bow  would 
was  to  be  the 

if  no  threats 
own  achieve- 
i  ememies  in 
LS  a  continual 
earthly  exlii- 
)n  of  the  Avar- 
tmost  of  their 
bs  and  bodies 
sive  fatigue ; 
extent;  their 
s  showed  the 
md  the  whole 
md  phrensy. 
il  lasted  Avith 
prisoner  was 
rom  a  hatcli- 
ist  Avas  clear; 
unded  like  a 
nd    hatchets 
ic  yells  Avere 
r  bloAvs,  and 
Kinner.     An 
melancholy 
y  moved  sol- 
lody  of  their 
nto  the  open 
after  a  short 
.     After  the 
aan  who  had 
.lually  raised 


his  head  and  groaned,  as  if  in  excruciating  agony ;  and  finally 
collected  himself,  passed  out  and  rejoiced  with  his  companions. 
After  a  recess  of  about  an  hour  large  numbers  of  both  sexes, 
young  and  old,  assembled  to  participate  in  the  peace-dance. 
This  interesting  ceremony  is  performed  to  music  without 
Avords,  and  females,  as  well  as  males  engage  in  it.  In  the  per- 
formance, the  males  form  as  large  a  circle  as  the  room  will 
allow,  facing  inwards,  the  females  then  glide  shyly  into  the 
circle  and  range  themselves  forward  of  the  males.  After 
these  arrangements  are  made,  the  rude  music  strikes  up,  and 
the  females  proceed  by  placing  their  feet  close  together,  then 
raising  their  toes,  pass  them  about  four  inches  to  the  right, 
and  then  their  heels  in  the  same  manner,  thus  keeping  time 
they  pass  noiselessly  around  the  circle  until  the  music  ceases. 
During  this  movement  of  the  females,  the  males  retain  their 
position,  beating  time  with  their  heels  and  toes  Avithout  mov- 
ing at  all,  to  the  right  or  left. 

This  course  is  gone  through  Avith  several  times,  which 
finally  closes  the  dancing  for  the  season. 

Early  in  the  morning,  previous  to  the  commencement  of 
the  war-dance,  several  large  kettles  had  been  placed  over  the 
fires  in  which  were  cooking  the  ingredients  upon  which  the 
Avhole  nation  Avere  at  liberty  to  feast.  The  contents  were 
composed  of  mo<;t,  corn,  beans,  peas,  potatoes,  turnips,  some 
garden  herbs  which  served  for  seasoning  and  other  things 
Avhich  had  been  previously  gathered  in  the  baskets.  After 
the  close  of  the  Avar-dance  and  the  peace-dance,  the  feast  Avas 
made  ready,  by  removing  the  kettles  to  a  convenient  distance' 
from  the  fires. 

The  mass  was  frequently  stirred  till  the  Avhole  became  com- 
pletely mixed.  The  contents  of  the  kettles  were  devoured 
Avithout  regard  to  politeness  or  ceremony ;  some  dipped  from 
the  kettles  Avith  spoons,  others  skimmed  out  the  more  substan- 
tial parts,  Avith  chips,  some  Avere  provided  with  bowls  and 
spoons,  Avhile  others  as  soon  v.s  tltc  scalding  aliment  Avas  suf- 
ficiently cooled,  thrust  in  theii  nngers  and  thus  obtained  their 
share.     After  a  reasonable  lime,  the  Avhole  had  vanished,  and 

9 


66 


ONONDAGA. 


I  <« 


all  appeared  to  be  refreshed  and  satisfied.  Tlie  pipe  of  peace 
was  now  lighted,  and  the  presiding  officer  of  the  past  cere- 
monies drew  the  first  draught,  puffed  the  first  whiff,  and 
was  very  carefuj  that  a  large  quantity  of  smoke  should  issue 
from  his  mouth  at  a  time,  which  he  took  great  pains  to  make 
ascend  in  graceful  curls  and  watched  them  with  peculiar  en- 
joyment. The  pipe  was  passed  from  him  to  the  other  chiefs 
present,  and  from  them  to  the  old  men,  who  all  partook 
of  it  with  a  commendable  relish. 

Having  concluded  the  ceremonies  of  the  great  festival,  and 
all  its  requirements  being  fulfilled,  every  one  feels  himself  ab- 
solved from  the  sins  of  the  past  year,  and  forms  new  resolu- 
tions for  the  time  to  come.  Congratulations  are  exchanged, 
and  new  hopes  excited, — free  from  iniquity  and  resolved  to 
follow  the  path  of  evil  no  more ;  each  one  repairs  to  his 
home,  happy  in  the  propitious  commencement  of  a  new  year, 
in  perfect  readiness  to  embark  in  all  the  operations  of  wai-, 
the  chase,  the  council  or  the  cabin. 

Such  were  the  proceedings  of  tlie  great  annual  festival  held 
at  the  Onondaga  Castle  in  January  1h4],  taken  from  notes 
ma<le  by  the  author  on  the  spot,  and  explained  by  the  late 
Abraham  La  Fort.  It  may  be  proper  to  add  that  in  all  theii- 
ceremonies,  none  but  the  Indian  language  is  used,  conse- 
quently there  is  groat  difficulty  in  the  way  of  obtaining  a  full 
and  comprehensive  kno'.vledge  of  all  their  practices. 

During  the  celebration  of  these  ceremonies,  the  Indians 
observe  the  strictest  sobriety  and  propriety  of  conduct,  and 
seem  pleased  with  the  company  of  visitors  and  strangers  ^\h> 
are  disposed  to  treat  them  respectfully.  But  on  pome  occa- 
sions, having  been  harshly  treated,  they  are  indifferent,  except 
to  those  of  their  acquaintances  whom  they  esteem  as  friends. 

These  dances  of  the  Onondagas,  which  are  similar  to  those 
of  the  other  five  nations,  may  witli  propriety  be  called  descrip- 
tive dances.  They  are  intended  to  exhibit  some  action  or  se- 
ries of  actions  generally  relating  to  war,  and  the  imitation  is 
often  sa  dose  and  so  exactly  executed,  that  the  most  indiffer- 
ent spectator  can  follow  the  intentions  of  the  performers. 


RITES  AND   CEkEMONlES, 


67 


)ipe  of  peace 
e  past  cere- 
t  whifF,  and 
should  issue 
tins  ta  make 
peculiar  en- 
other  chiefs 
all  partook 

festival,  and 

i  himself  ah- 

new  resolu- 

exchanged, 

resolved  to 

lairs  to  his 

a  new  year, 

3ns  of  war, 

estival  held 
from  notes 
hy  the  late 
in  all  their 
sed,  conse- 
ining  a  full 
es. 

he  Indians 
induct,  and 
luifjcrs  Avlio 
some  occa- 
'ent,  except 
IS  friends, 
ar  to  those 
ed  descrip- 
3tion  or  se- 
initation  is 
)st  indifFer- 
)erformers. 


Dances  are  rather  a  business  than  a  pastime.  They  mingle 
with  all  the  occupations  and  enterprizes  of  life.  When  war 
is  declared  and  proclaimed,  it  is  by  means  of  a  dance,  and  the 
warriors  who  engage  in  it  are  thereby  enlisted.  When  an  al- 
liance is  concluded,  or  peace  restored,  the  event  is  celebrated 
by  a  dance,  corresponding  to  the  change  of  circumstances. 
The  war-dance  is  the  exact  image  of  a  campaign.  It  repre- 
sents the  preparation  and  arming  of  the  warriors  for  battle ; 
their  departure  from  their  own  country ;  their  arrival  at  the 
confines  of  the  hostile  nation  ;  their  mode  of  encampment ; 
the  attack  ;  the  scalping  of  sucli  as  fall  into  their  hands,  and 
the  torture  and  heroism  of  prisoners.  In  their  countenances 
they  express  the  passions  of  anger,  courage,  resentment  and 
revenge.  With  such  power  and  force  do  these  acts  of  enthu- 
siasm often  strike  the  mind  of  the  beholder,  that  he  is  led  to 
forget,  in  the  moment  of  excitement,  that  it  is  only  a  repre- 
sentation passing  before  him  ;  and  the  spectator  often  shud- 
ders as  if  the  Avhole  was  a  positive  reality. 

Although  these  people  have  no  wars,  nor  can  ever  be  ex^ 
pected  to  have  any  in  which  they  may  act  as  principals,  yet 
these  ancient  customs  are  continued  to  commemorate  the  past^ 
and  to  transmit  to  posterity  their  former  achievements,  and 
the  glory  of  departed  days  ! 

The  Baron  Lahontan,  speaking  of  the  dances  of  the  Ameri- 
can Indians  says :  *These  dances  may  be  compared  to  the 
military  dance  of  Minerva  ;  for  these  savages  observe,  whilst 
dancing  with  singular  gravity,  the  harmony  of  certain  songs, 
which  the  Greek  soldiers  of  Achilles  called  Ilyporehcmatiques. 

It  is  not  easy  to  decide  whether  the  savages  learned  them 
of  the  Greeks  or  the  Greeks  of  the  savages. 

Charlevoix,  upon  the  same  subject,  remarks,  (translation) — 


*  "Toutes  ces  danses  peuvetit  etre  comparees  H  la.pyrrhique  de  Miuerve,  car 
les  sauvages  observenf,  on  dansant  d'line  pravite  sinjruliere.  lea  fadcnci-s  de  cer- 
taines  chansons,  (iiic  les  riiilicos  t.'i-fcqiies  d'Acliilie.  apelloifnl  liyp"i'cliematiqnes. 
II  nest  pas  facile  de  ssavoir  si  ios  sauvages  les  out  a  prises  des  Grecs,  on  si  les 
(irecs  les  ont  aprises  des  sanvages." 


i: 


>:-.H 


p 


iiii 


Ijii 
III 


dS 


ONONDAGA. 


that  the  greatest  part  of  their  feasts,  their  songs  and  dances, 
appear  to  have  their  origin  in  religion,  and  still  do  preserve 
some  traces  of  it.  I  have  met  with  some,  who  could  not  help 
thinking,  that  our  savages  were  descended  from  the  Jews,  and 
found  in  every  thing  some  affinity  between  these  people  and 
the  children  of  God.  Indeed,  there  are  in  some  things  ii 
strong  resemblance.  But  in  all  their  opinions  there  is  noth- 
ing certain.  Some  have  maintained  that  the  Calumet,  took 
its  origin  from  the  Caduceus  of  Mercury  (which  has  been  com- 
pared to  the  rod  of  Moses),  and  that  in  its  institution,  it  was 
esteemed  a  symbol  of  peace.  Calumet  is  a  Norman  word, 
signifying  a  reed,  and  the  calumet  of  the  savage,  is  properly 
the  stem  or  tube  of  the  pipe ;  but  they  comprehend  the  pipe 
also.  On  state  occasions  It  is  often  highly  ornamented  with 
feathers,  beads,  &c. 


RITES   AND  CEHK  MONIES. 


69 


and  (lances, 
do  preserve 
uld  not  help 
lie  Jews,  and 
I  people  and 
ne  things  n 
liere  is  noth- 
ilumet,  took 
is  been  com- 
ution,  it  was 
3rman  word, 
,  is  properly 
3nd  the  pipe 
mented  with 


CHAPTER   IV. 


PAGAN   RITES   AND  CEREMONIES. 


CoMPAKED   WITH   THOSE  OF   THE  JeWS,   EGYPTIANS,  GREEKS  AND   RoMANS. 

Having  in  a  foregoing  chapter  alluded  to  the  subject  of  the 
origin  of  the  Indian  nations  from  the  Jews,  through  Charle- 
voix ;  and  other  authors  having  affirmed  this  opinion,  it  may 
not  be  considered  improper  in  this  place  to  note  briefly  some 
of  the  coincidences  which  may  by  some  be  supposed  to  exist 
between  the  rites  and  observances  of  the  aborigines  of  our 
land,  (particularly  the  Onondagas)  and  those  of  the  Jews, 
Egyptians,  Greeks  and  Romans.  Without  endorsing  any  par- 
ticular theory,  or  without  attempting  to  decide  upon  a  subject 
wrapt  in  so  profound  mystery,  where  even  learned  Doctors 
disagree,  avc  will  be  content  with  a  simple  detail  of  circum- 
stances, without  entering  upon  the  solution  of  a  doubtful  pro- 
blem. 

How  long  the  Indian  nations  had  inhabited  our  country 
when  first  knoAvn  to  the  whites,  or  at  what  period  originated 
their  peculiar  religious  institutions,  we  have  not  the  means  of 
knoAving.  When  the  white  people  first  came  among  them, 
their  practices  in  all  respects  were  nearly  the  same  as  at  the 
present.  It  may  be  possible,  and  if  we  admit,  (and  we  must) 
the  testimony  of  divine  revelation,  it  must  be  true  that  they 
and  their  institutions  originated  in  a  more  enlightened  ances- 
try than  they  themselves  exhibit.  But  it  would  perhaps  ap- 
pear unphilo-^ophical  to  search  for  their  origin  from  an  exalt- 
ed and  civilized  people.  Still,  among  all  their  dark  and 
unseemly   institutions,    we    occasionally   observe  some  faint 


'^,< 


..  Hi 


70 


ONONDAGA, 


i  . 


glimmerings  of  light,  and  perceive  in  the  general  wreck  the 
ruins  of  a  more  eleviteil  and  loftier  order  of  thinj's. 

Sacrifices  have  in  nil  iiges,  and  hy  almost  every  nation,  been 
regarded  as  necessary  to  appease  divine  anger,  and  to  render 
Deity  propitious.  The  origin  of  the  institution  of  sacrifice  is 
clearly  traceable  to  divine  authority,  and  to  that  pure  prime- 
val period,  when  our  (n-iginal  ancestor  and  his  fons,  were  yet 
upon  the  earth.  Cain  hrouglit  of  the  fruits  of  the  ground  an 
offering ;  and  his  brother  Abol,  of  the  firstlings  of  his  Hock 
and  the  fat  thereof.  Of  the  particular  details  of  this  offer- 
ing arid  sacrifice,  there  is  no  account,  only  that  the  offering  of 
the  former  was  rejected,  while  that  of  the  latter  was  resjiect- 
ed  and  approved.  From  tho  examples  of  the  early  chosen 
people  of  (Jod,  the  Gentile  nations  received  or  i-etaincd  their 
notions  of  sacrifice,  and  on  this  account  wo  need  not  wonder 
to  find  so  many  coincidences  in  the  sacrificial  systems  of  the 
Jews  and  tho  neighboring  nations.  .Vll  false  religions  can  be 
esteemed  only  as  departures  from  the  true,  and  therefore  the 
origin  of  them,  however  corrupt  they  may  become  in  the  usage, 
may  be  the  same.  To  the  unaccountable  desire  in  man  to 
form  low  and  limited  estimates  of  Deity,  more  than  to  any 
thing  else,  may  be  attributed  the  introduction  and  propaga- 
tion of  error  and  false  religion. 

The  principal  yearly  sacrifices  of  the  Jews,  were  the  Pas- 
chal lamb  at  tlie  Passover,  celebrated  at  the  comiiii-nceuient 
of  the  sacred  year ;  on  the  day  of  Pentecost  or  first  fruits, 
the  beginning  of  the  civil  year  or  ingathering  of  harvest ; 
lastly,  the  day  of  expiation  or  great  day  of  .  ■  tenement.  Be- 
sides these,  were  the  monthly  festivals  and  others  of  less 
importance  ;  yet  were  nevertheless  attended  Avith  the  great- 
est punctuality,  but  never  more  so,  than  are  the  five  stated 
festivals  of  the  Six  Nations  to  this  day  at  Onondaga.  Before 
the  laAV  Avas  given  to  Moses,  burnt  offerings  served  for  all  pur- 
poses of  divine  worship,  whether  they  gave  thanks  for  bless- 
ings, or  deprecated  evil,  or  prayed  for  good.  These  sacrifices 
expiated  sin^  of  omission,  as  well  as  those  of  commission, 
atid  from  examples  like  these,  tho  Gentilo  nations  undoubtedly 


jfion. 


RITES    AND    CEREMONIKS. 


n 


wreck  the 

I. 

,tion,  been 
to  render 
lacrifiuo  is 
ire  prime- 
,  were  yet 
L^round  an 
his  llofk 
tliif4  offer- 
(flering  of 
,8  rtvs()cct- 
•ly  chosen 
iiicd  their 
)t  wonder 
nis  of  the 
)ns  can  l)o 
i-efore  the 
the  usa^e. 
11  man  to 
a  to  any 
propaga- 

tho  Pas- 
"ncenient 
rst  fruits, 

harvest : 
.'ut.  Be- 
•s  of  less 
he  great- 
ve  stated 
Before 
r  all  pur- 
tor  bless- 
sacrifices 
uniission, 
loubtcdly 


obtained  their  impreasions  of  the  atonement  of  sin,  by  the  8acri< 
fice  of  animals,  and  from  a  remote  period  the  rite  has  been 
transmitted  with  more  <tr  less  of  corruption,  even  to  the  wilds 
of  America  and  continued  to  the  present,  among  a  people 
shut  out,  we  know  not  how  long,  from  all  intercourao  with  the 
old  world,  debarred  the  light  of  science,  civilization  and  roli- 
cion.  Considering  all  this,  it  is  oidy  a  wonder  that  they  re- 
tain so  much  of  that  primeval  purity,  as  their  religions  prac- 
tices (■\liibit ;  and  whlih,  even  at  this  late  day,  are  marked 
by  ii  iimch  higher  degi  ■  of  moral  propriety  and  rational  de- 
votion, than  were  those  o/  the  Egyptians,  Greeks  and  Romans 
who  lived  and  tlourishod  in  the  more  immediate  vicinity  and 
nearer  the  times  of  the  ancient  patriarchs  and  propliets. 

The  priest's  oflice  was  at  fir't  unibnibtedly  exercised  by  mas- 
ters of  families,  and  afterwards  by  heads  of  clans.  And  pre- 
vious to  the  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  to  the  priest- 
hood, the  priest's  office  and  magistrate's  were  blended  in  the 
same  person. 

]\Iclchizedek  was  both  a  king  and  priest  of  Salem  and  offer- 
ed sacrifices. 

Abraham,  who  was  styled  a  prince,  performed  the  sacerdotal 
functions  ;  and  Jethro,  a  prince  and  priest  of  Midian,  offered 
burnt  sacrifices  as  a  priest,  being  at  the  same  time  a  ruler  of 
his  pcojde ;  and  (lideon,  who  long  afterwards  was  a  ruler  in 
Israel,  and  a  distingnislied  Avarrior,  and  who  Avas  offered  a 
crown  by  tlie  people,  did  sacrifices  and  periui'med  the  func- 
tions of  a  priest.  And  Manoah,  while  the  cliildron  of  Israel 
were  yet  under  the  dominion  of  the  Philistines,  and  conse- 
quently he  could  have  no  authority,  offered  burnt  sacrifices 
unto  the  Lord.  So  of  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations ;  they 
invariably  offic  ..e  as  priests  or  directors  at  their  festivals 
and  sacrifices. 

The  place  of  sacrifice  was  directed,  by  the  Jewish  ceremo- 
nial, to  be  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  or  place  of  worship  ; 
and  in  like  manner  is  the  Indian  sacrifice  universally  made  at 
the  door  of  their  council-house,  their  only  place  of  worship. 

The  Jewish  priests,  on  all  sacrificial  occasions,  were  clothed 


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fx 


72 


ONONDAGA. 


in  robes  of  pure  white ;  and  so  are  those  clothed  who  ofiBciate 
as  priests  at  the  Indian  sacrifices. 

On  sacrificial  occasions,  the  alms  and  offerings  of  the  Jews 
were  gathered  in  baskets,  brought  to  the  altar  and  set  before 
the  priest,  with  the  strictest  regard  to  order  and  propriety. 
Almost  precisely  the  same  practice  exists  among  the  Indians, 
who  gather  the  alms  and  oblations  of  the  people  and  present 
them  to  the  officiating  high  priest  in  baskets. 

The  Jews  offered  in  sacrifice,  only  oxen,  sheep  and  goats ; 
other  animals,  although  they  might  be  esteemed  good  for  food 
were  unsuitable  for  sacrifice,  and  the  ceremonial  law  distinctly 
declares,  what  animals  shall  be  considered  clean  and  what 
unclean.  It  may  be  asked  then,  why  the  dog,  an  animal 
entirely  rejected  from  the  Jewish  ceremonial,  even  the  price  of 
which  should  not  be  received  into  the  treasury  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, should  be  received  among  the  Indians  as  an  animal 
suitable  for  sacrifice.  Let  it  be  borne  in  mind,  that  not  many 
years  since,  dogs  were  their  only  domestic  animals, — wild 
animals  being  no  where  commanded  for  sacrifices,  these  were 
the  only  ones  they  could  have  always  at  hand,  and  to  them 
they  were  suitable.  They  were,  as  it  were,  forced  to  adopt 
them  or  reject  the  rite  entirely. 

By  the  Jews,  in  the  selection  of  victims  for  sacrifice,  the 
utmost  care  was  taken  to  choose  such  only  as  were  free  from 
blemish,  "without  spot  and  without  blemish"  are  terms  in  fre- 
quent use  throughout  the  Jewish  ritual.  And  it  Avas  a  cus- 
tom among  the  nations  surrounding  Judea,  and  among  the 
Egyptians,  to  set  a  seal  upon  the  victim  deemed  proper  for 
sacrifice.  Among  the  Indians,  a  spot,  or  blemish,  or  maim, 
renders  the  animal  as  unfit  for  sacrifice  as  did  the  same  faults, 
among  the  Jews. 

The  ceremony  of  Aaron  with  the  goats,  in  many  particu- 
lars is  not  unlike  the  sacrifices  of  the  Indians,  except  in  the 
selection  of  different  animals. 

Two  goats  were  presented  before  the  Lord  at  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle,  One  was  offered  for  a  sin  offering  for  the 
whole  people,  as  an  atonement,  and  the  other  bearing  upon 


■A 


RITES   AND   CEREMONIES. 


78 


who  officiate 


his  head  all  their  transgressions,  and  all  their  sins,  was  sent 
unto  a  land  not  inhabited,  never  to  return. 

Scarlet,  cedar-wood  and  hyssop,  were  used  in  the  Jewish 
purifications,  and  myrrh  and  frankincense  on  sacrificial  occa- 
sions. And  after  they  had  oifered  burnt  offerings,  and 
brought  peace  offerings,  the  people  sat  down  to  eat  and  to 
drink,  and  rose  up  to  play.  Practices  similar  to  these  may 
be  noted  among  the  aborigines,  and  any  one  who  will  tak^ 
the  trouble  to  examine  at  all  into  the  intricacies  and  ceremo- 
nies of  their  sacrificial  system,  Avill  readily  admit,  that  there 
are  many  things  which  bear  striking  analogy  to  the  Jewish 
system,  and  enough  to  encourage  the  opinion,  that  they  may 
have  originated  from  the  same  source. 

Although  the  Indians  have  been  justly  termed  guilty  of  be- 
lief in  witchcraft,  they  never  were  more  so  than  were  the 
Jews,  or  the  heathen  round  about  them  ;  and  it  may  be  added, 
that  there  is  scarcely  a  nation,  civilized  or  bai'barian,  heathen 
or  Christian,  who  have  not  had  their  seasons  of  belief  in  this 
strange  infatuation.  Even  our  good  forefathers  of  New  Eng- 
land, always  remarkable  for  intelligence  and  light,  can  look 
back  upon  a  dark  and  gloomy  page  of  their  history,  which  re- 
lates the  horrors  of  murders  committed  for  witchcraft. 

We  have  endeavored  to  point  out  a  few  of  the  coincidences 
which  may  be  supposed  to  exist  between  some  of  the  ceremO' 
nies  of  the  Jews,  and  those  of  the  Indians,  as  practiced  at 
Onondaga.  We  are  satisfied  that  they  prove  nothing  posi- 
tively as  to  their  origin  from  that  peculiar  people.  If  any 
thing,  they  may  illustrate  the  common  origin  of  all  men,  and 
the  high  origin  of  all  religious  institutions,  which  at  first  must 
have  emanated  from  the  same  source. 

From  the  Jews  the  Egyptians  undoubtedly  obtained  their 
notions  of  sacrifices,  as  did  the  Greeks  and  Romans  from 
them.  Their  systems  of  mythology,  throughout,  were  mark- 
ed with  peculiar  extravagance  and  profanity. 

Isis  and  Osiris,  were  the  principal  Egyptian  deities,  and  the 
numerous  myths  and  fables  concerning  their  worship,  are  al- 
most beyond  credibility.     Osiris  was  symbolized  by  the  sun 

10 


-,^  .4( 


f 


74 


ONONDAGA. 


and  Isis  by  the  moon.     They  were  the  patrons  of  agriculture 
and  the  arts.     Their  priests  were  universally  clothed  in  robes 
of  white.     Although  dogs  were  not  admissible  to  the  Jewish 
sacrifices,  they  nevertheless  occupied  a  conspicuous  place  in 
the  sacrifices  of  the  most  refined  heathen  nations,  and  enter- 
ed largely  into  all  their  systems  of  mythology.     Purifications 
jvere  made  in  Egypt,  Greece  and  Rome,  by  drawing  a  white 
dog  around  the  person  to  be  purified.     Dogs  were  highly  ven- 
erated in  Egypt,  and  their  death  was  lamented  as  a  misfor- 
tune.    Under  the  figure  of  a  dog  were  represented  all  such 
as  had  the  management  of  funerals.     Anubis,  an  Egyptian 
deity,  was  represented  by  a  dog.     At  first  the  dog  was  conse- 
crated to  Anubis  ;  but  afterwards  the  figure  of  a  dog  was  sub- 
stituted for  that  deity  ;  lastly  the  head  of  a  dog  was  annexed 
to  a  human  body  as  a  proper  emblem.     The  tutelary  gods  of 
the  Romans  styled  Lares,  were  covered  with  the  skins  of  do2s, 
and  at  their  feet  was  the  figure  of  a  dog.     These  animals  were 
sacred  to  the  Lares.     The  tomb  of  Diogenes,  the  prince  of 
Cynics,  was  surmounted  by  the  figure  of  a  dog.    , 

The  fabled  dog,  Orthos,  with  double  head,  guarded  the 
flocks  of  Gcryon,  and  Cerberus,  with  treble  jaws,  guarded  the 
gates  of  hell,  to  prevent  the  dead  from  escaping,  and  the 
living  from  entering. 

Charybdis,  an  avaricious  woman,  was  sent  to  a  cave  at  the 
bottom  of  the  sea,  and  there  committed  to  the  continual  bark- 
ing of  dogs.  Diana  was  attended  by  a  troop  of  dogs.  Her 
statues  sometimes  represented  her  with  three  heads,  a  horse, 
a  dog  and  a  hog.  The  Philistine's  god,  Dagon,  was  repre- 
sented by  a  fish.  The  Syrians  also  worshipped  a  fish,  as  Ci- 
cero informs  us,  ''  Sijri  piscem  veneranturr  In  fact  almost 
every  animal  was  adopted  in  a  real  or  symbolical  sense  as  an 
object  of  worship  among  the  enlightened  heathen  of  ancient 
times. 

Mention  is  made  in  Homer,  of  the  sacrifice  of  whole  heca- 
tombs of  cattle,  perfect  sheep  and  goats,  whereby  Achilles 
hoped  Apollo  might  be  appeased,  and  stay  the  plague  he  had 
sent  among  the  Greeks ;  and  to  the  manes  of  his  friend.  Pa- 


'I 


RITES   AND   CEREMONIES. 


75 


Df  agriculture 
)thed  in  robes 
to  the  Jewish 
uous  place  in 
ns,  and  enter- 
Purifications 
iwing  a  white 
re  highly  ven- 
[  as  a  misfor- 
nted  all  such 
an  Egyptian 
og  was  conse- 
''  dog  was  sub- 
was  annexed 
elary  gods  of 
skins  of  dogs, 
animals  were 
the  prince  of 
* 

guarded  the 
,  guarded  the 
ing,  and  the 

a  cave  at  the 
ntinual  bark- 
'  dogs.  Her 
ads,  a  horse, 
I,  was  rcprc- 
a  fish,  as  Ci- 
i  fact  almost 
1  sense  as  an 
n  of  ancient 

whole  heca- 
oby  Achilles 
iague  ho  had 
3  friend,  Pa- 


4 


troclus,  with  other  animals,  he  sacrificed  two  dogs  of  purest 
white,  "for,"  said  he,  "to  the  gods  the  most  perfect  things 
should  be  offered."  The  whole  was  concluded  with  funereal 
games  with  great  solemnity,  at  which  Achilles  officiated  as  high 
priest,  as  well  as  a  temporal  prince,  and  for  the  occasion  was 
habited  in  robes  of  white.  Virgil  makes  frequent  mention  of 
the  sacrifices  of  the  Romans.  He  says  goats  were  sacrificed 
to  Bacchus  on  every  altar,  and  white  bulls  and  heifers  untri- 
ed in  the  yoke,  and  sheep  were  laid  upon  their  altars,  and  sa- 
crificed to  Jupiter.  The  festival  of  the  Greeks  termed  Eleu- 
sinia,  corresponding  to  the  Initia  of  the  Romans,  from  which 
the  latter  was  taken,  was  the  most  imposing  of  all  the  Greek 
festivals.  It  lasted  nine  days,  and  was  conducted  with  great 
ceremony. 

The  Greeks  and  Romans  observed  a  festival  in  honor  of 
the  muses,  which  lasted  nine  days,  and  was  celebrated  Avith 
games,  plays,  songs  and  dances.  At  the  Lupercalian  held  at 
Home,  two  goats  and  a  dog  were  sacrificed.  This  festival  was 
histituted  in  honor  of  tlie  she-wolf  which  nursed  Roiiiulus,  the 
founder  of  the  city. 

The  festival  of  Ceres,  at  Greece  and  Rome,  w^as  celebrated 
with  great  ceremony.  She  was  represented  with  ears  of  corn 
on  her  head,  with  a  hoe  and  basket  in  her  hands.  It  lasted 
eight  days.  A  festival  in  honor  of  Pales,  was  held  at  Rome, 
the  principal  ceremony  of  which  consisted  in  bringing  little 
bundles  of  straw  uud  dancing  over  them. 

At  the  festival  styled  Faiaria,  pulse  and  beans  Avere  the 
oblations.  These  festivals  of  the  Egyptians,  Greeks  and  Ro- 
mans, in  process  of  time  became  grossly  corrupt,  and  were  of- 
ten conducted  with  the  greatest  confusion,  disorder  and  licen- 
tiousness. Baskets  were  made  use  of,  no  less  by  the  Greeks 
and  Romans,  in  gathering  in  their  offerings,  than  by  the  Jews. 
Solemn  embassies  were  sent  yearly  to  Delos,  with  baskets  of 
first  fruits  and  holy  things,  to  celebrate  the  feast  of  Apollo, 
with  music  and  dancing.  Of  this,  there  are  traces  among 
the  Romans ;  the  "  Mystlca  vannus  iachi,"  mentioned  by  Vir- 
gil, is  explained  by  many  as  a  wicker  basket,  in  Avhich  first 


76 


ONONDAGA. 


fruits  were  carried.     Golden  baskets  were  carried  by  the 
wealthy  virgins  of  Greece  and  Rome  at  the  feasts  of  Bacchus. 

Dancing  occupied  a  conspicuous  place  among  the  heathen 
nations  as  a  religious  ceremony,  and  was  not  considered  irre- 
ligious by  the  Jews.  Miriam,  and  her  maidens  after  her,  went 
out  with  timbrels  and  dances  rejoicing  in  the  overthrow  of  the 
Egyptians.  The  women  came  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Israel 
singing  and  dancing,  and  as  they  played,  said,  "  Saul  hath 
slain  his  thousands,  and  David  his  ten  thousands."  David 
himself  danced  before  the  Lord. 

In  all  these,  there  was  nothing  of  lasciviousness  or  impro- 
priety ;  they  were  devout  expressions  of  joy  attended  with 
sacred  music. 

From  the  dancing  of  Miriam  and  her  companions  on  the 
sea  shore,  it  is  supposed  Callimachus  conceived  his  hymn  to 
Diana,  wherein  he  ascribes  to  the  goddess,  three  score  and  ten 
dancers,  daughters  of  the  ocean.  From  those  examples,  other 
nations  have  made  dancing  a  part  of  their  worship  to  the  gods. 
Among  all  the  heathen  ceremonies,  there  was  none  held  in 
higher  estimation  than  dancing.  Their  festivals  were  almost 
universally  concluded  with  feasting,  singing  and  dancing.  The 
sacred  fire  kept  constantly  burning  in  the  Temple  of  Vesta, 
may  have  some  analogy  to  the  mystical  council-fire  of  the  Five 
Nations.  With  the  llomans  the  safety  of  the  city  was  sup- 
posed to  be  endangered  by  the  extinguishment  of  the  vestal 
flame.  With  the  rude  sons  of  the  forest,  the  expiring  light 
of  the  council-fire,  foreboded  the  destruction  of  a  nation. 

The  mode  of  punishment  for  murder,  among  the  Jews  and 
heathen  nations  Avas  not  unlike  that  practiced  by  the  Indians. 
The  nearest  of  kin  was  the  avenger  of  blood,  and  held  the 
right  and  exercised  it,  of  destroying  the  guilty  murderer ;  nay, 
was  bound  to  do  his  endeavor  to  avenge  the  blood  of  his  rela- 
tive. 

Another  coincidence  may  be  remarked  in  the  estimation  of 
time.      The   ancient   Jewish  year   was   estimated  by  lunar 
■  months,  which  commenced  on  the  new  moon.     And  this  me- 
thod was  practiced  by  all  nations  indiscriminately,  until  the 


RITES   AND  CEREMONIES. 


Tt 


carried  by  the 
ists  of  Bacchus, 
ng  the  heathen 
considered  irre- 
3  after  her,  went 
)verthrow  of  the 
cities  of  Israel 
lid,  "  Saul  hath 
sands."     David 

isness  or  impro- 
'  attended  Avith 

panions  on  the 
)d  his  hymn  to 
2e  score  and  ten 
examples,  other 
hip  to  the  gods. 
s  none  held  in 
als  were  almost 
I  dancing.  The 
emple  of  Vesta, 
-fire  of  the  Five 
le  city  Avas  sup- 
tit  of  the  vestal 
e  expiring  light 
•f  a  nation. 
g  the  Jews  and 
by  the  Indians. 
1,  and  held  the 
murderer;  nay, 
lood  of  his  rela- 

e  estimation  of 

lated   by  lunar 

And  this  me- 

ately,  until  the 


more  exact  and  consistent  calculations  by  solar  revolutions 
were  established. 

Again,  another  may  be  noted  in  the  significance  of  proper 
names.  The  Jews  were  remarkable  for  their  appropriate 
names  for  individuals,  places  and  things,  occasioned  by  the 
occurrence  of  some  extraordinary  circumstance  or  event. 
This  is  to  a  careful  reader,  one  of  the  peculiar  beauties  of  the 
Old  Testament,  and  signally  illustrates  the  characteristics  of 
God's  chosen  people.  The  ancient  heathen  were  scarcely  less 
remarkable,  than  were  the  Jews,  for  the  significance  of  their 
proper  names,  and  it  has  most  appropriately  been  said,  that 
any  person  having  a  thorough  knowledge  of  our  aboriginal 
names,  and  their  derivation,  would  be  in  possession  of  a  per- 
fect key  to  the  history  of  these  peculiar  people. 

These  comparisons  might  be  spun  out  to  an  almost  inter- 
minable length  ;  but  we  trust  enough  has  been  said  to  show 
that  however  remote  the  origin  of  our  aborigines,  or  from 
what  nation  or  country  descended,  or  however  corrupt  they 
may  have  become  in  their  religious  rites  and  practices,  they 
have  retained  their  ancient  customs  with  singular  purity  and 
for  this,  may  very  appropriately  demand  our  commendation, 
our  sympathy  and  charity. 

We  have  thus  given  a  cursory  glance  at  some  of  the  most 
prominent  traditions,  practices  and  customs  held  in  estimation 
among  the  Onondagas,  as  first  observed  by  the  white  people 
in  their  earliest  intercourse  with  the  Indians.  It  is  truly 
gratifying  and  worthy  of  remark,  that  their  pagan  rites  are 
not  as  rigidly  adhered  to  as  formerly  ;  that  they  are  yearly 
becoming  less  interesting  to  the  pagans  themselves,  and  in 
many  respects,  are  undoubtedly  undergoing  a  change  and 
improvement. 

"  The  Christian  Party,''  among  them  is  steadily  increasing 
and  with  what  religion  and  schools  is  accomplishing  for  these 
people,  a  sensible  improvement  in  their  condition  is  undoubt- 
edly hastening.  The  school  recently  established  among  them, 
is  patronized  by  many  of  the  natives,  who  manifest  an  inter- 
est in  the  improvement  of  the  pupils.      The  fruits  of  this 


WA 


'  A 


78 


ONONDAGA. 


school,  with  those  religious  instructions  so  zealously  imparted 
to  them,  it  is  believed  are  gradually  supplanting  their  pagan 
practices,  and  will  ere  long,  we  confidently  trust,  be  the  means 
of  permanently  establishing  among  them  a  happier  order  of 
things.  Their  peculiar  religious  institutions  are  fast  wither- 
ing to  decay,  and  the  time  cannot  be  far  distant  when  the 
last  pagan  sacrifices  will  have  been  performed  in  our  Christian 
country.  The  increased  attention  they  pay  to  agriculture 
and  the  arts,  is  an  evidence  that  civilization  is  gaining  ground 
among  them ;  and  were  it  not  for  that  bane  of  human  pros- 
perity, (alcohol,)  to  the  use  of  which  too  many  of  them  are 
unhappily  addicted,  improvement,  thrift  and  happiness  would 
every  where  abound. 


CHIEFS. 


70 


aloualy  imjiartcd 

ting  their  pagan 

St,  be  the  means 

mppier  order  of 

are  fast  wither- 

istant  when  the 

in  our  Christian 

I  to  agriculture 

gaining  ground 

of  human  pros- 

ny  of  them  are 

bppiness  would 


CHAPTER   V. 


LIVES  OP  DISTINGUISHED  ONONDAGA  CHIEFS. 


UeKANISSOKA— GaRANSI:I,A— KaNAHJEAQAH— SADEKANAUTE-fCANASSET;(-0— OlIN- 
DIAGA  —  CoNYATAUyoU  —  OSSAHINTA  —  TaIITOTAH  —  DeH  ATK  AXONS— CoUNCIU 

Fire. 


Dekanissora.  — This  celebrated  Onondaga  chieftain  and 
prince  of  Indian  orators  and  diplomatists,  flourished  from 
about  1680,  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  at  St. 
Louis,  about  the  year  1730.  During  the  term  of  his  long  and 
eventful  life,  which  was  characterized  by  a  participation  in  all 
the  important  events  of  the  confederate  nations,  he  was  on 
terms  of  intimacy  with  both  the  French  and  English.  From 
his  skill  in  diplomacy,  faithfulness  and  honest  integrity,  he 
possessed  in  a  high  degree,  the  confidence  of  both  nations. 
Although  there  were  periods  when  his  sincerity  was  doubted, 
and  he  has  even  been  charged  with  duplicity,  yet  his  calum- 
niators have  failed  to  detect  and  point  out  the  particular  faults 
laid  to  his  charge.  Among  his  own  countrymen,  he  always 
sustained  the  highest  reputation  as  an  undoubted  patriot,  an 
able  statesman,  an  accomplished  public  speaker,  and  a  subtle 
and  safe  manager  o^  public  concerns.  On  these  accounts,  he 
was  always  selected  by  his  people,  as  their  most  capable  man 
in  the  management  of  national  affairs,  and  in  conducting  ne- 
gotiations with  both  French  and  English,  with  the  ambassa- 
dors of  which  nations  he  was  always  able  most  successfully  to 
cope.  He  has  been  represented,  as  a  tall  Avell  formed  man, 
graceful  in  elocution,  possessing  great  fluency  of  speech,  pow- 
orful  in  argument,  with  features  resembling  the  busts  of  Cicero. 


80 


O  N  O  N  D  A  G  A 


His  name  is  aasociated  with  all  the  important  transactions  of 
the  Five  Nations,  which  transpired  while  ho  was  a  chief  of 
the  confederacy  and  perhaps  ho  has  never  been  surpassed  by 
any  of  the  distinguished  men  of  the  Iroquois,  in  all  those  arts 
and  accomplishments  which  adorn  the  native  man. 

Several  of  his  speeches  have  been  preserved  in  the  Manu- 
script London  Documents,  obtained  by  Mr.  Brodhead,  now 
in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  also  a  few  speci- 
mens, by  Golden,  from  which  sources  wo  make  the  following 
selections. 

It  is  highly  probable  that  these  interpreted  speeches  fall  far 
short  of  the  originals,  in  grace,  power  and  effect.  But  they 
may  however  throw  some  light  upon  the  courtesy,  the  high- 
souled  honor,  the  indomitable  courage,  and  untiring  perseve- 
rance of  this  truly  distinguished  man ;  characteristics  which 
signally  embellished  his  native  worth. 

During  the  winter  of  1693,  '94,  after  a  long  and  angry  con- 
test between  the  French  and  Indians,  in  Avhich  both  parties 
suffered  inconceivable  injury  and  loss,  and  were  therefore  mu- 
tually inclined  to  peace,  propositions  were  made  by  the  Jesuit 
priests  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  preliminary  to  a  final  set- 
tlement of  differences.  These  proposals  were  so  well  receiv- 
ed, that  a  council  was  called  with  a  view  to  act  upon  it.  The 
Mohawks  were  opposed  to  negotiation,  and  the  English  were 
secretly,  if  not  openly,  opposed  to  a  reconciliation  between 
the  belligerent  parties.  This  was  well  understood  beforehand, 
and  it  was  agreed  that  nothing  conclusive  should  be  done  be- 
fore the  subject  was  submitted  to  these  parties.  Having  this 
in  view,  Dekanissora  and  several  other  chiefs,  visited  Albany, 
(he  being  chief  speaker,)  to  lay  the  matter  before  Governor 
Fletcher  and  Major  Schuyler.  We  make  the  following  ex- 
tract from  his  speech  on  this  occasion.  After  vindicating  his 
conduct  in  holding  intercourse  with  the  French,  he  thus  pro- 
ceeds : 

"Brother  Cayenguirago,*  when  the  Christians  first  arrived 


•  Name  for  Governor  Fletcher. 


CHIEFS. 


81 


msiictions  of 
18  a  chief  of 
surpassed  by 
all  those  arts 

in  the  Manu- 

odhead,  now 

a  few  speci- 

he  following 

cchcs  fall  far 
t.  But  thoy 
iy,  the  high- 
•ing  perseve- 
r  is  tics  which 

d  angry  con- 
both  parties 
herofore  mu- 
by  the  Jesuit 
:o  a  final  set- 
)  well  receiv- 
pon  it.  The 
English  were 
tion  between 
I  beforehand, 
I  be  done  be- 
Having  this 
lited  Albany, 
)re  Governor 
following  ex- 
indicating  his 
he  thus  pro- 

3  first  arrived 


in  this  country,  wo  received  them  kindly.  When  they  were 
but  a  small  people,  we  entered  into  a  league  with  them,  to 
guard  them  from  all  enemies  whatsoever.  We  were  so  fond 
of  their  society  that  we  tied  the  great  canoe  which  brought 
them,  not  with  a  rope  made  of  bark,  to  a  tree,  but  with  a 
strong  iron  chain  fastened  to  a  great  mountain.  Now,  before 
the  Christians  arrived,  the  General  Council  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions was  held  at  Onondaga,  where  there  has  been  from  the 
beginning  a  continual  fire  kept  burning ;  it  is  made  of  two 
great  logs,  whose  flame  never  extinguishes.  As  soon  as  the 
hatchet  makers  (Christians)  arrived,  the  General  Council  at 
Onondaga  planted  this  tree  at  Albany,  whose  roots  and  branch- 
es have  since  spread  as  far  as  New  England,  Connecticut, 
Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia ;  and  under  the  shade 
of  this  tree  all  the  English  Colonies  have  frequently  been 
sheltered.  Seven  fathoms  of  wampum  to  renew  the  chain.'' 
"  The  only  reason,  to  be  plain  with  you,  of  our  sending  to 
make  peace  with  the  French,  is  the  low  condition  to  which  we 
are  reduced,  while  none  of  our  neighbors  send  us  the  least 
assistance,  so  that  the  Avhole  burden  of  the  war  lies  on  us 
alone.  Our  brethren  of  New  England,  Connecticut,  Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland  and  Virginia,  of  their  own  accord,  thrust 
their  arms  into  our  chain  ;  but  since  the  war  began,  we  have 
received  no  assistance  from  them.  We,  alone,  cannot  contin- 
ue the  war  against  the  Frencii,  by  reason  of  the  recruits  they 
daily  receive  from  the  other  side  of  the  great  lake. 

"  Brother  Cayex(j uirauo — apeak  from  your  heart.  Are  you 
resolved  to  prosecute  the  war  vigorously  against  the  French ,' 
and  are  your  neighbors  of  Virginia,  iSIaryland,  Pennsylvaniii, 
Connecticut  and  New-England,  resolved  to  assist  us  ?  If  it 
be  so,  notwithstanding  any  treaty  hitherto  entered  into,  we 
will  prosecute  the  war  as  hotly  as  ever.  But  if  our  neighbors 
will  not  assist,  we  must  make  peace,  and  we  submit  it  to  your 
consideration,  by  giving  this  great  belt  fifteen  deep. 

"Brother  Cayenguirago — I  have  truly  told  you  the  rea- 
sons which  have  induced  us  to  offer  peace  to  the  French ;  wc 
shall  likewise,  from  the  bottom  of  our  hearts,  inform  you  of 

a 


III 


92 


ONONDAGA 


'J'l 


El* 


i     1 


tho  design  wo  hiivo  in  this  treaty.  When  the  Governor  of 
Caniula  shall  have  accepted  the  nine  belts,  of  whicli  I  have 
just  now  told  you,  then  wo  shall  have  something  more  to  say, 
by  two  large  bolts,  which  lie  hid  in  our  bosom.  Wo  shall  lay 
down  first  one  and  say,  wo  have  a  brother  Caycnguirago,  with 
whoso  people  we  have  been  united  in  one  chain  from  the  be- 
ginning. They  must  bo  included  in  this  treaty  ;  we  cannot  see 
them  involved  in  bloody  war,  while  wo  sit  easy  in  peace.  If 
the  (jovernor  of  Canada  answer,  that  ho  has  made  a  separate 
peace  with  us,  and  that  ho  cannot  make  any  peace  with  Cay- 
enguirago,  because  the  war  is  from  over  tho  great  lake,  then 
wo  shall  lay  down  the  second  broad  belt  and  tell  tho  Gover- 
nor of  Canada  ;  if  you  Avill  not  include  Cayenguirago's  peo- 
ple, tho  treaty  will  become  thereby  void,  as  if  it  had  never 
been  made,  and  if  ho  persists,  avo  will  absolutely  leave  him." 

Ho  goes  on  with  an  account  of  his  mission  to  tho  praying 
Indians  at  tho  castle  above  Montreal,  from  whom  he  had  been 
conducted  in  great  splendor  by  the  superior  of  Canadian  mis- 
sions  to  Quebec.  IIo  is  said  to  have  been  clothed  in  scarlot 
trimmed  witii  gold,  with  a  beaver  hat  richly  adorned  with  sil- 
ver lace,  a  present  from  Col.  Fletcher  a  short  time  before. 
At  a  subscfiucnt  council  ho  says  :  "  Our  brother  Cayenguira- 
go's arms  and  our  own  are  stiff,  and  tired  with  holding  fast 
tho  chain.  Our  neighbors  sit  still  and  smoke  at  their  ease. 
The  fat  is  melted  from  our  ilesh  and  fallen  on  them.  They 
grow  fat  while  we  grow  lean. 

"  This  chain  made  us  the  enemy  of  the  French.  If  all  held 
fast  as  Caycnguirago,  it  would  have  boon  a  terror  to  them. 
If  we  would  all  heartily  join  and  take  the  hatchet  in  hand, 
our  enemy  would  soon  be  destroyed.  ^Yc  should  forever  after 
live  in  peace  and  ease.  Do  your  parts,  and  thunder  itself 
cannot  break  tho  chain." 

On  one  occasion  he  said  to  Major  Schuyler  in  reply  to  the 
suggestion  of  fraud  on  the  part  of  a  Jesuit  messenger  of  the 
French — "  We  know  that  the  priest  favors  his  own  nation. 
But  it  is  not  in  his  power  to  alter  our  affection  to  our  breth- 
ren ;  we  wish  you  would  bury  all  the  misunderstandings  you 


1 


CHIEFS. 


88 


0  Governor  of 
which  I  havo 

P  more  to  sfi;', 

Wo  shall  lay 

nguirag(^,  with 

from  the  bc- 

we  cannot  see 
in  peace.  If 
idc  a  separate 
ace  with  Cay- 
eat  lake,  then 
sll  the  Oover- 
^uirago's  pco- 

it  had  never 
y  leave  hiui." 
)  the  praying 
m  he  had  been 
Canadian  mis- 
led in  scarlot 
)rncd  with  sil- 
;  time  before. 
t'  Cayengiiiru- 
h  holding  fast 
at  their  ease. 

them.     They 

.  If  all  held 
rror  to  them, 
chet  in  hand, 

1  forever  after 
hunder  itself 

1  reply  to  the 
senger  of  the 
}  own  nation, 
to  our  breth- 
Jtandings  you 


] 


havo  conceived  on  hia  account, — and  we  likeioina  wish  you 
(jave  l('8H  credit  to  the  llllM  CAHUIIMIS  than  you  do." 

Dokaninsora,  or  Teganessorons,  as  ho  is  sometimes  called 
by  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  was  a  believer  in  the  Roman  Catholic 
faith,  and  was  for  many  years  considered  a  true  disciple ;  on 
that  account  he  could  hear  no  evil  spoken  against  them. 

He  wielded  a  mighty  influence  among  the  Five  Nations,  and 
his  good  will  and  aifection  was  most  earnestly  sought,  by  the 
Governors  of  New-York  and  Canada. 

From  another  of  his  speeches  we  make  the  following  extract. 
[Lon.  Doc's,  20,  p.  110,  A.  D.  1715.] 

A  letter  had  previously  been  sent  by  lirigadicr  General 
Hunter,  Governor  of  New- York,  with  papers  relating  to  the 
Five  Nations,  upon  which  propositions  were  made  by  the 
Saclicms  of  the  confederate  nations,  viz  :  "  the  Maquas,  Oney- 
dcs,  Ononiliigc.M,  Cayougos  and  Sinnckcs," — to  his  Excellency 
Governor  Hunter,  liTth  of  August. 

Dokiinnissora,  Chief  Sachem  of  Onondaga,  speaker,  said: 
"  When  Ave  were  here  last  year  we  made  three  propositions, 
;md  not  then  having  belts  of  Avampum  to  lay  doAvn  according 
to  our  custom,  Ave  gave  three  sticks,  and  noAV  bring  three  belta 
for  the  said  three  propositions. 

Brother  Corlcar — Ave  arc  here  mot  together,  your  Excel- 
lency, and  tiic  Sachems  of  the  Five  Nations,  at  Albany,  the 
place  ai)pointed  for  all  treaties  with  us,  and  if  there  bo  any 
thing  of  moment  to  bo  treated  of,  either  of  Virginia,  Mary- 
land, Carolina,  or  any  of  his  Majesty's  colonies  in  America, 
this  is  the  place  Avhore  avo  are  to  treat  Avith  one  another. 
Your  Excellency  renoAved  the  covenant  chain  last  summer 
here,  which  was  extremely  acceptable  to  us  all ;  and  you  de- 
manded the  hatchet  from  us,  Avhich  you  had  given  into  our 
iiands  against  the  French  of  Canada,  which  hatchet  we  do 
now  deliver  you.  It  has  been  an  unfortunate  hatchet.  Wo 
have  had  two  Canada  expeditions,  but  they  both  proved  abor- 
tive and  unsuccessful,  and  therefore,  if  you  ever  offer  to  give 
us  such  a  hatchet  again  into  our  hands,  avc  Avill  not  accept  it. 
Brother  Corlcar — Last  summer,  when  we  were  here,  you 


84 


ONONDAGA, 


'I  I'll 


commanded  and  required,  that  the  path  of  going  to  war, 
should  be  stopped ;  but  we  told  you  then,  that  we  could  not 
give  you  an  answer,  before  we  had  consulted  with  our  young 
men,  the  warriors  ;  and  we  now  come  to  a  conclusion,  to  obey 
your  excellency's  commands,  and  to  stop  up  that  path  hence- 
jrth.  But  there  are  diverse  companies  of  our  people  still 
out  against  them,  who  have  referred  the  decision  of  that  mat- 
ter to  the  Sachems  and  other  young  Indians  who  were  left  at 
home,  Avhether  that  war  should  be  continued  or  not. 

"Bi  other  Corlear — We  have  heard  of  the  demise  of  our 
great  Queen  Ann,  whose  death  we  condole  with  all  our  hearts; 
and  at  the  same  time,  we  heard  with  unspeakable  joy  that  our 
great  King  George  succeeded  her  in  the  kingdoms  and  domin- 
ions belonging  to  Great  Britain.  And  we  were  likewise  told, 
that  he  would  protect  and  defend  us  as  Queen  Ann  had  done. 
We  hope  it  will  be  true ;  then  our  children's  children  will  live 
in  peace  and  flourish,  and  no  diflference  -will  ever  arise  be- 
tween us  if  that  be  performed. 

"  Brother  Corlear — you  forbid  us  to  go  to  war  against  the 
Flat-heads  of  Carolina,  and  we  have  been  obedient  to  your 
commands.  Now  we  have  often  desired  that  the  goods  should 
be  sold  cheaper,  which  has  not  been  complied  with,  and  we  in- 
sist still  that  goods  may  be  sold  at  a  more  easy  rate.  It  would 
be  a  great  satisfaction  to  all  our  people.  Brother — you  ha.ve 
taken  the  hatchet  out  of  our  hands ;  that  hatchet  which  you 
put  into  our  hands.  We  have  laid  it  down  willingly,  but  we 
have  a  hatchet  of  our  own,  which  we  made  use  of  in  former 
times,  which  we  keep  lying  by  us,  to  make  use  of  the  same 
whenever  we  shall  be  attacked  by  any.  Brother — avc  have 
done  speaking,  and  this  is  what  we  had  to  say,  for  which  we 
prayed  your  excellency  to  come  up.  But  wo  have  been  sent 
for,  likewise,  by  your  excellency's  commands,  and  shall  at- 
tend to  hear  what  your  excellency  has  to  propose  to  us,  and 
desire  to  know  the  time  when  avc  shall  wait  upon  you." 

Numerous  examples  of  the  speeches  of  this  noted  chieftain 
might  be  brought  to  view,  as  they  abound  in  all  the  councils 
of  the  confederates  with  the  French  and  English.     But  we 


CHIEFS. 


85 


;oing  to  war, 
we  could  not 
ith  our  young 
usion,  to  obey 
it  path  hence- 
r  people  still 
1  of  that  mat- 
10  were  left  at 
not. 

lemise  of  our 
ill  our  hearts ; 
e  joy  that  our 
as  and  domin- 
likewise  told, 
.nn  had  done. 
Idren  will  live 
ver  arise  be- 

ir  against  the 
dient  to  your 
goods  should 
th,  and  we  in- 
ate.  It  would 
er — you  hav^e 
et  which  you 
ngly,  but  we 
of  in  former 
of  the  same 
ler — we  have 
for  which  Ave 
ive  been  sent 
md  shall  at- 
se  to  us,  and 

you." 

ted  chieftaiii 

the  councils 

sh.    But  we 


trust  enough  has  been  shown  to  prove  his  talents,  sagacity, 
and  influence  to  be  of  no  ordinary  kind.  After  a  long  life  of 
usefulness  and  uncommon  activity,  he  died  at  a  very  advanc- 
ed age,  on  a  visit  to  St.  Louis,  while  engaged  on  important 
business  of  the  confederacy. 

Garungula* — Was  another  distinguished  orator  and  states- 
man of  the  confederacy,  a  noted  chiof  of  the  Onondaga  nation, 
who  flourished  at  a  period  a  little  earlier  than  Dekanissora. 
He  was  an  older  man  and  dl^d  some  thirty-five  years  before 
him.     They  were  well  known  to  each  other,  and  on  many 
important  embassies  were  associated.     If  Dekanissora  can 
with  propriety  be  styled  the  Achilles  of  the  Five  Nations  for 
his  prowess  and  address,  Garungula  may  be  styled  a  very 
Nestor  to  these  nations,  for  his  wisdom  and  greatness.     In 
1684,  the  French  governor  of  Canada,  de  la  Barre,  raised  an 
army  of  1700  men  with  a  view  of  invading  the  territory  of 
the  Five  Nations,  and  annihilating  their  power  forever.     He 
had  made  but  little  progress  in  his  expedition,  w^hen  an  alarm- 
ing sickness  broke  out  in  his  camp  and  raged  with  such  viru- 
lence, that  he  was  obliged  to  relinquish  the  undertaking  en- 
tirely ;  all  of  which  was  as  well  known  to  the  Onondagas,  as 
to  the  French.     Meanwhile,  with  a  view  of  keeping  up  ap- 
pearances, and  if  possible  to  eflect  something,  de  la  Barre 
crossed  lake  Ontario,  and  held  a  talk  with  such  of  the  Five 
Nations  as  would  hear  him.     Garungula  was  present,  and  to 
him  the  governor  made  a  pompous  and  flourishing  speech, 
stating  his  desire  to  have  peace,  and  of  the  power  of  the 
French  to  enforce  it,  at  the  same  time  insisting,  that  tlie  Five 
Nations  should  make  full  restitution  for  injuries  done,  and 
never  more  attempt  hostilities  against  them.     If  they  did  so, 
he  had  express  orders  he  said,  from  the  king  his  master,  to 
declare  war  against  them,  and  to  take  vengeance  at  once.     The 
French  governor's  speech  was  received  with  subdued  gravity 
by  the  haughty  Garungula,  and  with  a  hearty  contempt  for  every 


*  Some  of  the  French  writers  style  him  "  Grnnd  'Giter!.," 
which  this  name  is  by  some  supjwsed  to  be  derived. 


or  great  eater,  from 


86 


ONONDAGA. 


threat  he  had  put  forth.  Being  conscious  of  the  straitened 
circumstances  of  the  French,  and  of  the  justice  of  his  own 
cause,  Crarungula  arose,  and  walking  about  within  the  circle 
which  had  gathered  around  the  principal  actors  in  the  scene, 
thus  began  : 

*"  YoNNONDio,  I  honor  you,  and  the  warriors  that  are  with 
me  honor  you.  Your  interpreter  has  finished  your  speech. 
I  now  begin  mine.  My  words  make  haste  to  reach  your 
ears ;  hearken  to  them. 

YoNNONDio,  you  must  have  believed  when  you  left  Quebec, 
that  the  sun  had  burnt  up  all  the  forests  which  render  our 
country  inaccessible  to  the  French,  or  that  the  lakes  had  so 
far  overflown  their  banks,  that  they  had  surrounded  our  cas- 
tles, and  that  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  get  out  of  them. 
Yes,  truly,  you  must  have  dreamed  so,  and  the  curiosity  of 
seeing  so  great  a  wonder,  has  brought  you  so  far.  Now  you 
are  undeceived,  since  that  I,  and  the  warriors  here  present, 
are  come  to  assure  you,  that  the  Senecas,  Cayugas,  Ononda- 
gas,  Oneidas  and  Mohawks,  are  yet  alive.  I  thank  you  in 
their  name,  for  bringing  back  into  their  country,  the  calumet 
which  your  predecessors  received  from  theix  hands.  It  was 
happy  for  you,  that  you  left  under  ground  that  murdering 
hatchet,  that  has  so  often  been  dyed  in  the  blood  of  the  French. 

Heak,  Yonnoxdio,  I  do  not  sleep.  I  have  my  eyes  open, 
and  the  sun  which  enlightens  me,  discovers  to  me  a  great  cap- 
tain, at  the  head  of  a  company  of  soldiers,  who  speaks  as  if 
he  were  dreaming.  He  says,  that  he  only  came  to  the  lake, 
to  smoke  on  the  great  calumet  with  the  Onondagas.  But 
Garungula  says,  he  sees  to  the  contrary,  tliat  it  was  to  knock 
them  on  the  head,  if  sickness  had  not  weakened  the  arms  of 
the  French.  I  see  Yonnondio,  raving  in  a  camp  of  sick  men, 
whose  lives  the  Great  Spirit  has  saved,  by  inflicting  this  sick- 
ness upon  them. 

Heak,  Yoxnondio,  our  women  had  taken  their  clubs ;  our 
children  and  old  men  had  carried  their  bows  and  arrows  into 


CHIEFS. 


87 


he  straitened 
e  of  his  own 
lin  the  circle 
in  the  scene, 

that  are  with 

your  speech. 

reach  your 

left  Quebec, 
h  render  our 
lakes  had  so 
ided  our  cas- 
•ut  of  them, 
curiosity  of 
•.     Now  you 
ere  present, 
;as,  Ononda- 
lank  you  in 
the  calumet 
ids.     It  was 
t  murdering 
'  the  French. 
Y  eyes  open, 
a  great  cap- 
speaks  as  if 
to  the  lake, 
lagas.      But 
-as  to  knock 
the  arms  of 
of  sick  men, 
iig  this  sick- 


clubs 


our 


arrows  into 


the  heart  of  your  camp,  if  our  warriors  had  not  disarmed 
them  and  kept  them  back,  when  your  messengers  came  to  our 
castles.     It  is  done ;  I  have  said  it. 

Hear  Yonnondio— we  plundered  none  of  the  French,  but 
those  that  carried  guns,  powder  and  balls  to  the  Twightwies 
and  Chictaghicks,  because  those  arms  might  have  cost  us  our 
lives.  Herein  we  follow  the  example  of  the  Jesuits,  who  break 
all  the  kegs  of  rum  brought  to  our  castles,  lest  the  drunken 
Indians  should  knock  them  on  the  head.  Our  warriors  have 
not  beaver  enough  to  pay  for  all  those  arms  that  they  have 
taken,  and  our  old  men  are  not  afraid  of  the  war.  This  belt 
preserves  my  words.  We  carried  the  English  into  our  lakes 
to  trade  with  the  Utawawas  and  Quatoghies,  as  the  Adiron- 
dacks  brought  the  French  to  our  castles  to  carry  on  a  trade, 
which  the  English  say  is  theirs.  We  aru  born  free  ;  we  nei- 
ther depend  on  Yonnondio  or  Corlear  ;*  we  may  go  when  we 
please,  and  carry  with  us  whom  we  please,  and  buy  and  sell 
what  we  please.  If  your  allies  be  your  slaves,  use  them  as 
such ;  command  them  to  receive  no  other  but  your  people. 
This  belt  preserves  my  words. 

We  knock  the  Twightwies  and  Chictagicks  on  the  head, 
because  they  had  cut  down  the  trees  of  peace,  which  were 
the  limits  of  our  country.  They  have  hunted  beaver  on  our 
lands ;  they  have  acted  contrary  to  the  customs  of  Indians, 
for  they  left  none  of  the  beavers  alive  ;  they  killed  both  male 
and  female ;  they  brought  the  Satanas  into  their  country  to 
take  part  with  them,  after  they  had  concerted  ill  designs 
against  us.  We  have  done  less  than  either  the  English  or 
French,  that  have  usurped  the  lands  of  so  many  Indian  na- 
tions and  chased  them  from  their  own  country.  This  belt 
preserves  my  Avords. 

Hear  Yonnondio— what  I  say  is  the  voice  of  all  the  Five 
Nations.  Hear  what  they  ansAver.  Open  your  ears  to  Avhat 
they  speak.     The  Senecas,  Cayugas,  Onondagas,  Oneidas  and 


♦Governor  of  New-York. 


88 


ONONDAGA. 


Mohawks  say,  that  when  they  buried  the  hatchet  at  Cadara- 
(lui,  in  the  presence  of  your  predecessor,  in  the  middle  of  the 
fort,  they  planted  the  tree  of  peace  in  the  same  place,  to  be 
there  carefully  preserved  ;  that  in  the  place  of  arras  and  am- 
munition  of  war,  beavers  and  merchandize  should  only  enter 
there. 

Hear,  Yonnondio — take  care  for  the  future,  that  so  great 
a  number  of  soldiers  as  appear  there,  do  not  choke  the  tree 
of  peace  planted  in  so  small  a  fort.  It  will  be  a  great  loss, 
if  after  it  had  so  easily  taken  root,  you  should  stop  its  growth, 
and  prevent  its  covering  your  country  and  ours  witli  its  branch- 
es. I  assure  you,  in  the  name  of  the  Five  Nations,  that  our  war- 
riors shall  dance  to  the  calumet  of  peace  under  its  leaves ;  and 
shall  remain  quiet  on  their  mats,  and  shall  never  dig  up  the 
hatchet  till  their  brother  Yonnondio  or  Corlear  shall,  either 
jointly  or  separately,  endeavor  to  attack  the  country  which 
the  Great  Spirit  has  given  to  our  ancestors.  This  belt  pre- 
serves my  words,  and  this  other,  the  authority  which  the  Five 
Nations  have  givon  me."  Then  addressing  himself  to  the  in- 
terpreter, he  said,  "  Take  courage,  you  have  spirit,  speak,  ex- 
plain my  words,  forget  nothing,  tell  all  that  your  brethren  and 
friends  say  to  Yonnondio.  Your  Governor,  by  the  mouth  of 
Garangula  who  loves  you,  and  desires  you  to  accept  this  pre- 
sent of  beaver,  and  take  part  with  me  in  my  feast  to  which  I 
invite  you.  This  present  of  beaver  is  sent  to  Yonnondio  on 
the  part  of  the  Five  Nations."* 

De  la  Barre  was  struck  with  surprise  at  the  wisdom  of  this 
chief,  and  equal  chagrin  at  the  plain  refutation  of  his  own. 
He  immediately  returned  to  Montreal  and  thus  terminated  this 
inglorious  expedition  of  the  French  against  the  high-souled 
and  martial  spirited  Onondagas.  This  speech  was  acknowl- 
edged by  the  French  themselves,  considering  the  circumstances 
under  which  it  was  delivered,  as  a  masterpiece  of  ingenuity, 
boldness  and  eloquence. 


♦Vide  Smith's  History  of  New- York,  and  De  Witt  Clinton's  Address,  ISll. 


CHIEFS. 


89 


at  Cadaro- 

liddle  of  the 

place,  to  be 

rras  and  am- 

i  only  enter 

hat  so  great 
ke  the  tree 
t  great  loss, 
-)  its  growth, 
!i  its  branch- 
hat  our  Avar- 
leaves ;  antl 
dig  up  the 
shall,  either 
iintry  which 
is  belt  pre- 
ch  the  Five 
If  to  the  in- 
;,  speak,  ex- 
rethren  and 
le  mouth  of 
pt  this  pre- 
;  to  which  I 
mnondio  on 

Jom  of  this 
3f  his  own. 
tiinated  this 
high-souled 
IS  acknowl- 
cumstances 
ingenuity, 


ess,  ISll. 


Kan-ah-je-a-qaii,*  called  by  the  English,  "  Black  Kettle," 
and  by  the  French  "  La  Chaudiero  Noir."  lie  Avas  an  Onon- 
daga, and  one  of  the  most  daring  and  renowned  warriors  whose 
name  has  ever  graced  the  pages  of  Indian  history.  He  was 
cotemporary  with  Dekanissora  and  Garungula,  though  some- 
what a  younger  man. 

His  first  appearance  as  a  warrior  was  in  1690.  In  the 
summer  of  that  year,  we  find  him  in  company  with  Major 
Peter  Schuyler  of  Albany,  with  a  band  of  MohaAvk  and  Onon- 
daga warriors,  engaged  in  the  destruction  of  the  French  set- 
tlements along  the  shores  of  lake  Champlain.  Governor  De 
Calheres  of  Montreal,  hastily  collected  a  large  force  with 
which  to  oppose  them,  and  although  the  French  force  Avas 
greatly  superior  on  this  occasion,  yet  it  was  repulsed  Avith  se- 
vere loss.  The  French,  smarting  under  their  reverses,  and 
desirous  of  retrieving  their  tarnished  honor  and  broken  for- 
tune, raised  a  force  of  three  hundred  men,  Avith  a  view  of  sur- 
prising the  Indians  in  the  neighborhood  of  Niagara.  This 
force  was  met  by  Kan-ah-je-a-gah  and  defeated.  He,  the 
next  year  carried  the  Avar  into  Canada,  and  every  Avhere 
spread  the  greatest  terror  and  alarm,  besides  causing  immense 
damage  to  the  French  settlements.  The  governor  of  the 
French  Avas  so  exasperated  at  these  successes  of  the  brave 
Avar  chief  of  the  Onondagas,  that  he  caused  an  innocent  cap- 
tive which  had  been  taken  from  the  Indians,  to  be  put  to 
death  by  the  most  excruciating  tortures.  He  Avithstood  all 
their  efforts  Avith  the  most  stoical  indiiference  and  courageous 
fortitude.  lie  sung  his  achievements  while  they  burned  his 
feet  and  hands  Avith  red  hot  irons,  cut  and  Avrung  off  his 
joints,  and  pulled  out  his  sincAvs ;  and  to  render  the  hellish 
tragedy  complete,  his  scalp  Avas  torn  off,  and  red  hot  sand 
poured  upon  his  naked  skull. 


\ 


*  We  have  met  this  Indian  name  but  once  in  our  researches,  and  that  was  in 
the  London  Documents,  at  Albany  ;  it  is  there  ,  '' ^  1  Can-ad-ge-gai.  The  Onon- 
dasras  ftiW  revere  this  groat  warrior,  and  pronouLce  .i  as  it  is  writt'.'ii  above.  (See 
Loii.  Doc.  vol.  G,  p.  104.) 

12 


90 


ONONDAGA. 


no  ; 


111 


A  series  of  atrocities  like  the  foregoing  on  the  part  of  the 
French,  once  more  re-awakened  the  vengeance  of  Kan-ah-je- 
a-gah.     Revenge  was  too  sweet  to  repose  under  such  heinous 
aggravations.     About  one  hundred  Senecas  were  soon  upon 
the  war-path,  who  were  joined  by  a  large  party  of  Onondagas, 
with   Kan-f.h-je-a-gah   for  a   leader.     They  intercepted   all 
trading  parties  from  Montreal  to  the  upper  lakes,  secured 
much  booty,  and  severely  harrassed  the  French,  and  their 
Indian  allies  in  all  directions,  carrying  terror  and  dismay  into 
the  heart  of  the  French  colony.     These  were  the  palmy  days 
of  the  confederacy,  when  they  could  successfully  war  with  Eu- 
ropean powers,  and  tlie  t'mo  when  an  advantage  which  was 
gained  over  them,  was  lauded  far  and  wide  as  a  glorious  tri- 
umph.    In  July,  1G92,  he  fell  upon  the  island  of  Montreal, 
carrying  his  arms  to  the  very  gates  of  the  citadel ;  and  it  was 
only  for  a  want  of  the  knowledge  of  attacking  fortified  pla- 
ces that  prevented  the  destruction  of  the  city.     lie  suddenly 
attacked  a  party  of  French,  under  the  command  of  Sieur  de 
Lusignan,  slew  their  commander,  and  put  the  men  to  flight. 
This  brave  chief  continued  the  war  with  success  till  the  year 
1697,  when  he  was  decoyed  into  Canada,  by  the  perfidy  of 
the  French,  under  the  pretext  of  a  desire  to  make  peace, 
with  about  thirty  of  his  warriors,  who  were  fallen  upon  at  a 
time  when  they  had  not  the  least  thought  that  an  enemy  was 
near,  and  treacherously  murdered  by  a  party  of  Algonkins, 
engaged  by  the  French  expressly  for  the  purpose.     After  he 
had  received  his  death  wound,  he  cried  out,  "  Must  I,  who 
have  made  the  whole  earth  tremble  before  me,  now  die  by  the 
hands  of  children?"     He  always  retained  the  most  deadly 
hatred  for  tlie  Adirondacks. 

Thus  perished  one  of  the  most  brave,  bold  and  renowned 
warriors  of  the  Five  Nations.* 

Besides  the  before  named  chiefs,  were  two  others  scarcely 
less  distinguished.     These  were  Sadekanaiite  and  Tuuren- 


*  Coldeti's  Five  Nations. 


CHIEFS. 


91 


0  part  of  the 
•f  Kan-ah-je- 
such  heinous 

0  soon  upon 
'  Onondagas, 
;ercepted  all 
ikes,  secured 
h,  and  their 

1  dismay  into 
3  palmy  days 
war  with  Eu- 
^0  which  Avas 
glorious  tri- 
)f  Jlontreal, 

;  and  it  was 
Fortified  pla- 
IIc  suddenly 

of  Siour  de 
len  to  flight, 
till  the  year 

0  perfidy  of 
make  peace, 
m  upon  at  a 

1  enemy  was 
Algonkins, 

.  After  he 
Must  I,  who 
w  die  by  the 
nost  deadly 

d  renowned 

ers  scarcely 

^d  TlIUKEN- 


SUEA,  both  of  whom  were  men  of  influence  and  bore  a  con- 
spicuous part  in  all  the  important  affairs  of  the  confederacy. 
Some  of  the  most  beautiful  and  sublime  passages  of  Indian 
eloquence,  which  have  been  preserved,  have  fallen  from  the 
lips  of  these  distinguished  chiefs  of  the  Onondagas.  Their 
talents  and  voices  swayed  the  councils  of  the  confederacy  for 
a  space  of  near  a  century  before  the  French  invaded  their 
territory  in  1GU6.  And  perhaps  they  have  never  been  equalled 
in  their  Oratorical  efforts,  except  by  Logan,  lied  Jacket  and 
Farmers  Brother. 

Of  the  kind  of  oratory  for  which  these  native  public  speak- 
ers were  distinguished,  we  cannot  be  expected  to  particular- 
ize with  much  precision.  Indian  eloquence  is  peculiarly 
impressive  in  the  manner  of  the  orator's  delivery ;  forcible  in 
the  expression  of  his  countenance,  and  in  the  brilliant  flashes 
of  irony,  humor  and  pathos  with  Avhich  he  ombelishcs  his  sub- 
ject. The  Indian  orator  is  remarkable  for  his  allegorical 
apostrophes,  to  animate  and  inanimate  things,  his  high  wrought 
and  original  comparisons,  and  above  all  for  the  high  toned  prin- 
ciple, and  direct,  unpolished,  unsophisticated  logical  accumen 
vhich  prevades  his  discourse.  l>y  his  eloquence,  the  orator 
arouses  the  passions  of  his  hearers,  and  by  his  manner, 
affects  their  hearts  and  wins  them  to  his  views.  He  needs  to 
bo  seen  as  well  as  heard,  to  have  his  speeches  take  their  due 
effect ;  hence  all  interpretations,  must  always  fall  far  short 
of  the  originals,  in  every  point  which  constitutes  the  excel- 
lence of  Indian  oratory. 

Dr.  Golden,  who  was  familiar  with  Indian  oratory,  in  its 
higher  purity,  remarks — "The  speakers  whom  I  have  heard, 
had  all  a  great  fluency  of  words  and  much  more  grace  in 
their  manner,  than  any  man  could  expect  among  a  people 
entirely  ignorant  of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences.  Their 
speakers  attained  a  sort  of  urhanitas  or  atticism.'" 

A  great  council  was  held  at  Onondaga,  in  January,  1690. 
The  object  was  to  consider  a  message  from  Count  de  Fron- 
tenac,  the  governor  of  Canada.  The  English  authorities  at 
Albany,  as  was  customary,   were   invited  to  attend.      The 


ONONDAGA. 


council  opened  on  the  22d  of  the  month.  Eighty  aachcmg  of 
the  Five  Nations  were  present.  Sadekanahte  was  the  loader 
of  the  council.  Rising  in  his  place,  ho  at  first  addressed  on<> 
of  the  English  messengers  from  Albany.  He  informed  him 
that  deputies  were  present  from  the  Canadian  Governor.  Then 
taking  in  his  hand  a  belt  of  wampum,  sent  by  Count  Fronte- 
nac,  and  holding  it  in  the  middle,  he  proceeded; "  What  I  have 
said  relates  only  to  one  half  of  the  belt.  The  other  half  is 
to  let  you  know  that  the  governor  of  Canada  intends  to  kin- 
dle his  fire  again  at  Cadaraqui  next  spring.  He  therefore 
invites  his  children  and  the  Onondaga  Captain  Dekanissora, 
in  particular,  to  treat  there  about  the  old  chain." 

Several  other  distinguished  speakers,  of  different  nations, 
declared  their  sentiments.  Belts,  &c.  were  offered.  After 
which  Sadekanahte  again  rose  and  said,  "  Brothers,  we  must 
stick  to  our  brother  Quider,  (Peter  Schuyler,  mayor  of  Alba- 
ny,) and  regard  Yonnondio,  (governor  of  Canada,)  as  an  enemy. 
"  Brothers — Our  fire  burns  at  Albany.  We  will  not  send 
Dekanissora  to  Cadaraqui.  We  adhere  to  our  old  chain  with 
Corlear,  (governor  of  New- York,)  we  will  prosecute  the  war 
with  Yonnondio.  We  will  follow  your  advice  in  drawing  off 
our  men  from  Cadaraqui.  Brothers — we  are  glad  to  hear  the 
news  you  tell  us,  but  tell  us  no  lies  !  Brother  Kinshon ! 
(New-England  deputy,)  we  hear  you  design  to  send  soldiers 
eastward  against  the  Indians  there.  But  we  advise  you,  now 
so  many  are  united  against  the  French,  to  fall  immediately 
on  them.  Strike  at  the  root ;  when  the  trunk  shall  be  cut 
down,  the  branches  will  fall  of  course. 

Corlear  and  Kinshon, — Courage  !  courage  !  In  the  spring 
to  Quebec  !  Take  that  place — you  will  have  your  feet  upon 
the  necks  of  the  French  and  all  their  friends  in  America !" 
After  a  short  consultation,  the  following  answer  was  prepared 
to  be  sent  to  the  governor  of  Canada  by  the  deputies  of  the 
French. 

"Yonnondio — You  have  notified  your  return  to  us  and 
that  you  have  brought  back  thirteen  of  our  people  who  were 
carried  to  France.     We  are  glad  of  it.     You  desire  us  to 


CHIEFS. 


98 


ty  sachems  of 
ms  the  loader 
iddressed  one 
informed  him 
vcrnor.  Then 
/ount  Fronte- 
'Whatlhave 
other  half  is 
itends  to  kin- 
He  therefore 

Dekanissora, 
If 

(rent  nations, 
'ered.  After 
lers,  we  must 
lyor  of  Alba- 
)  as  an  enemy, 
vill  not  send 
Id  chain  with 
icute  the  war 
I  drawing  off 
.d  to  hear  the 
er  Kinshon ! 
send  soldiers 
vise  you,  now 
immediately 
shall  be  cut 

In  the  spring 
lur  feet  upon 
1  America !" 
was  prepared 
puties  of  the 

n  to  us  and 

pie  who  were 

desire  us  to 


meet  you  at  Caduraqui  next  spring,  about  the  old  chain. 
But,  Yonnondio !  how  can  we  trust  you,  who  have  acted  de- 
ceitfully so  often  ?  Witness  what  was  done  at  Cadaraqui — 
the  usage  our  messengers  met  with  at  Utawas,  and  Avhat  was 
done  to  the  Senecas,  at  the  same  place."  Gives  a  belt  indi- 
cating a  willingness  to  treat. 

"  TiiuiiENSUUA,  OuHUESSE  and  Ertel — (names  of  French 
deputies)  Have  you  observed  friendship  with  us  ?  If  you 
have  not,  how  came  you  to  advise  us  to  renew  the  friendship 
with  Yonnondio  V 

"  Taweraiiet — The  whole  council  is  glad  to  hear  of  your 
return  with  the  other  twelve. 

"Yonnondio — Y'ounmst  send  home  Tawerahet  and  the  oth- 
ers this  present  winter,  before  spring.  We  will  save  all  the 
French  we  have  prisoners,  till  that  time. 

"  Y''oNNONDio — Youdesire  to  speak  to  us  at  Cadaraqui.  Don't 
you  know  that  your  fire  there  is  extinguished  ?  It  is  extin- 
guished with  blood.  Y'ou  must  send  home  the  prisoners  in 
the  first  place.  You  are  not  to  think  we  have  laid  doAvn  the 
axe  because  we  return  an  answer.  We  intend  no  such  thing. 
Our  far-fighters  shall  continue  the  war,  till  our  countrymen 
return.  When  our  brother  Tawerahet  is  returned,  then  we 
will  speak  to  you  of  peace." 

This  is  only  one  of  the  many  specimens  of  this  distin- 
guished orator's  eiforts  and  abilities  as  exemplified  in  the 
courtly  councils  of  his  people.  Numerous  others  might  bo 
brought  forward  from  the  London  Documents  where  they 
abound.  They  show  the  high  estimation  in  which  the  Five 
Nations  were  then  held  by  the  two  most  powerful  and  enlight- 
ened nations  of  the  earth,  and  the  influence  which  their  deci- 
sions had  in  the  political  alFairs  of  these  European  Powers. 

Can-as-se-ta-qo — Was  a  renowned,  sagacious  and  influen- 
tial chief  of  the  Five  Nations.  He  was  an  Onondaga,  a  man 
of  note  in  his  own  nation,  whose  name  figures  largely  in  all 
the  principal  transactions  of  the  Five  Nations  from  1734  to 
1783.  To  illustrate  the  tact  and  capacity  of  this  distinguished 
chief,  it  may  not  be  amiss  here  to  insert  an  extract  from  one 


94 


ONONDAGA. 


of  Ms  speeches  at  a  council,  with  commissioners  of  Maryland 
relative  to  claims  advanced  by  the  people  of  that  province,  to 
a  part  of  the  territory  of  the  Five  Nations.  (Taken  from 
Colden.) 

"  You  mentioned  the  affair  of  the  land  yesterday,  you  went 
back  to  old  times,  and  told  us  you  had  boon  in  possession  of 
the  province  of  Maryland  over  a  hundred  years.     But  what 
is  a  hundred  years,  in  comparison  to  the  length  of  time  since 
our  claim  began,  since  we  came  out  of  this  ground  ?     For 
we  must  tell  you,  that  long  before  one  hundred  years,  our 
ancestors  came  out  of  this  very  ground,  and  their  children 
have  occupied  here  ever  since.     You  came  out  of  the  ground 
in  a  country  far  beyond  the  sea.     There  you  may  have  a  just 
clami.     Jiut  here,  you  must  allow  us  to  be  your  elder  breth- 
ren, and  the  lands  to  have  belonged  to  us,  long  before  you 
knew  anything  of  them.     It  is  true  the  Dutch  came  here  a 
hundred  years  ago  in  a  ship,  and  brought  with  them  many 
goods,  such  as  awls,  hatchets,  guns,  knives,  and  several  other 
things,  which  they  gave  us ;  and  when  they  had  taught  us 
the  use  of  these  things,  we  learned  what  sort  of  people  they 
were.    We  were  so  well  pleased  with  them,  that  we  at  first  tied 
their  ship  to  the  bushes*  on  the  shore.     Afterwards,  likin-^ 
them  still  better  the  longer  they  staid  with  us,  and  thinking 
the  bushes  too  slender,  we  removed  the  rope,  and  tied  it  to 
the  great  tree,t  and  finding  that  the  tree  was  liable  to  be 
blown  down  by  high  winds,  or  to  decay  of  itself,  we  from  the 
affection  we  bore  them,  again  removed  the  rope,  and  made  it 
fast  to  a  strong  and  big  rock  ;|  and  not  content  with  this,  for 
its  further  security,  we  again  removed  the  rope  to  the  great 
mountain,  §  and  there  we  tied  it  very  fast,  and  rolled  wampum 
around  it ;  and  to  make  it  still  more  secure,  we  stood  upon 
the  wampum  and  sat  down  upon  it,  to  preserve  and  defend  it, 
and  to  prevent  any  hurt  coming  to  it.     We  did  our  best  en- 
deavors that  it  might  remain  unchanged  forever.     But  with 
you,  we  have  had  no  dealings,  no  trade,  no  chain  of  friend- 


*  Manhattan  Island. 


t  Moliawk.  t  Oneida.  J  Onondaga. 


CHIEFS. 


of  Maryland, 
;  province,  to 
(Taken  from 

ay,  you  went 
)os8e8sion  of 
I.     But  what 
)f  time  since 
'ound  ?     For 
1  years,  our 
icir  children 
'  the  ground 
r  have  a  just 
elder  breth- 
;  before  you 
came  here  a 
them  many 
everal  other 
1  taught  us 
people  they 
''  at  first  tied 
^'^rds,  liking 
nd  thinking 
id  tied  it  to 
liable  to  be 
we  from  the 
and  made  it 
vith  this,  for 
to  the  great 
ed  wampum 
stood  upon 
d  defend  it, 
)ur  best  en- 
But  with 
1  of  friend- 

Onondaga. 


ship,  and  will  not  now  quietly 


05 


.       .  nnnsont  to  have  our  lands  un- 
justly  wrested  from  us." 

An  anecdote  related  by  Dr.  Franklin,  shows  in  a  very  amia- 
ble  bght  the  hosp.table  character  and  sagacity,  as  well   as 
honest  suupl.c.ty,  of  this  memorable  chieftain.     Conrad  Wei- 
ser,  the  famous  In.lian  interpreter,  had  been  naturalized  among 
ho  K.vo  Nations,  and  spoke  well  their  language.     In  going 
through    he  Indian  country  to  carry  a  message  from  the  Go 
vernor  of  1  e.msylvania,  to  a  council  to  be  held  at  Onondaga, 
ho  called  at  the  habitation  of  Canassetago,  an  old  acquaint- 
.ince,  who  embraced  lam,  spread  furs  for  \nm  to  sit  on,  and 
placed  before  hnn  some  boiled  beans  and  venison,  and  mixed 
some  rum  and  water  for  him  to  drink.     When  he  was  well  re- 
resluvl,  and  had  lighted  his  pipe,  Canassetago  began  to  con- 
verse with  lum,  asked  how  he  had  fared,  the  ?nany  years  since 
they    ad  seen  each  other,  whence  he  then  cauu,  what  occa- 
s.onod  the  .journey,  &c.     Conrad  answered  nil  his  questions, 
=m    w  en  the  discourse  began  to  flag,  the  Indian,  to^ontinu; 
n  Mid  --.    Conrad,  you  have  lived  long  among  the  wldte  peo- 

I'le,  and  know  somcthin;^  of  their  customs      T  ),..,r ,  .• 

,  o        tuLii  customs.     1  have  sometimes 

'ecu  It  Albany,  and  have  observed  that  once  in  seven  .l.vs 
Jheyshut  up  their  shops,  and  assemble  all  in  the  great  ue^ 
toll  lue  what  It  ,s  for  ;  what  do  they  do  there  T  ^^  They  meet 
here  -says  Conrad,  ''to  hear  and  learn  ,o.Z  ./.■.;:.^  ""^ 
0  not  doubt,  says  the  Indian,  ''  that  they  tell  you  so  ;  they 
have  told  me  the  same,  but  I  doubt  the  truth  of  wha  toy 
-J,  and  I  wdl  tell  you  my  reasons.  I  went  lately  to  Albany 
^sol  la  kms  and  buy  blankets,  knives,  powd^n-,  rum,  ..c 
lu  know  I  used  generally  to  deal  with  Hans  Hanson,  but  I 

W:    r"tl  V''^  '"'^  '^  ^^'^^^^"^  other  merchants. 

H)uld  pay  for  beaver.     He  said  he  could  not  give  more  than 

::t'"""rr^  but,  said  he,  I  cannot  tflk  on  business 
no.,  this  IS  the  day  when  we  meet  together  to  learn  yood 

n  1;  TT"^ ''  '^''  ^"'''^"S-    ^'  I  *h°"gJ^^  to  myself, 

nee  I  cannot  do  any  business  to-day,  I  may  Ts  well  go  to 

the  meetmg  too ;  so  I  went  with  him.     There  stood  up  a  man 


m 


ONONDAGA, 


I? 


iit  l)liick  and  began  to  talk  to  the  people  very  angrily.     I  did 
not  understand  what  he  said,  but  perceiving  that  ho  looked 
much  at  me  and  Hanson,  1  inuigined  he  was  angry  at  seeing 
me  there  ;  so  I  went  out,  sat  down  near  the  house,  struck  liro, 
and  lighted  my  pipe,  waiting  till  the  meeting  should  break  up. 
I  thought,  too,  that  the  man  had   menti()ne<l   something  of 
beaver,  and  I  suspected  it  might  be  the  subject  of  their  meet- 
in".     So  when  they  came  out,  1  accosted  the  merchant :  Well, 
Hans,  says  I,  1  hope  you  have  agreed  to  give  more  than  four 
bhillings  a  pound.     No,  says  he,  I  cannot  give  bo  much ;  I 
cannot  give  more  than  three  shillings  and  sixpence.     I  then 
spoke  to  several  other  dealers,  but  they  all  sung  the  same  song, 
throe  and  sixpence — three  and  sixpence.     This  made  it  clear 
to  mo  that  my  suspicion  was  right,  and  that  whatever  they 
pretended  of  meeting  to  learn  (/ooil  thiiu/x,  the  real  purpose 
wa.s  to  consult  how  to  cluNtt   Indians  in  the  price  of  beaver. 
Consider  but  a  little,  Conrad,  and  you  must  be  of  my  opinion. 
If  they  met  so  often  to  learn  (jood  tliifu/s,  they  would  certain- 
ly have  learned  some  before  this  time.     But  they  arc  still  ig- 
norant ;  you  know  our  ju-actice.     If  a  white  man  in  travel- 
ing  through    our  country,  enters  one  of  our  cabins,  wo  all 
treat  him  as  I  do  you.     We  dry  him  if  he  is  wet ;  we  warm 
him  if  he  is  cold,  and  give  him  metit  and  drink,  that  he  may 
allay  his  hunger  and  thirst,  and  we  spread  soft  furs  for  him 
to  rest  and  sleep  on.     We  demand  nothing  in  return.     But 
if  I  go  into  a  white  nnin's  house  at  Albany,  and  ask  for  vic- 
tuals and  drink,  they  say,  where  is  your  money  ?  and  if  I 
have  none  they  say,  get  out  you  Indian  dog.     You  see,  they 
have  not  yet  learned  those  little  i/ood  thi>i(j8  that  we  need  no 
meetings  to  be  instructed  in,  because  our  mothers  taught  them 
to  us  when  we  were  children,  and  therefore  it  i.    i.;ii)o3.'')Uc 
■  their  meetings  shoukl  be  as  they  say,  for  any  'i   '<  -  i.-;  ^<e, 
or  have  any  such  effect ;  they  are  only  to  contrive  ilio  cheat- 
ing of  Indians  in  tlio  price  of  beaver." 

Another  speech  of  his  before  the  Governor  and  Council  of 
Pennsylvania  and  the  head  men  of  the  Delaware  nation,  pre- 
serren  by  Colden,  illustrates  the  power  of  the  Six  Nations, 


i 


angrily.  I  tliil 
tiiiit  }iu  loukcil 
iiigry  at  acciiij( 
uso,  struck  firi', 
tiould  break  Uj). 
Honuitliing  of 
.  of  their  meet- 
ercliant :  Well, 
more  than  four 
vo  80  much;  I 
pence.  I  then 
;  the  same  song, 
IS  mailo  it  clear 
whatever  they 
10  real  purpose 
irrco  of  beaver, 
of  my  opinion, 
f  would  certain- 
;hey  are  still  ig- 
man  in  travel- 
cabins,  wc  all 
wet ;  wc  warm 
ik,  that  he  may 
>ft  furs  for  him 
n  return.  Eut 
,nd  ask  for  vie- 
jney  ?  and  if  I 
You  see,  they 
;hat  Ave  need  nu 
icrs  taught  them 
it  io  iii/|>u,sS'i.ljle 
y  t  \\'h  .,,(,•;  -ie, 
itnve  tlie  cheat- 


and  Council  of 
arc  nation,  pre- 
.le  Six  Nation?, 


C  II  1  E  F  S 


97 


no  IcBS  than  the  commanding  influence  of  this  distinguished 
chief.  A  dispute  arose  l)etw(>en  the  l^ehiwares  and  the  gov- 
ernment of  rennsylvania,  relative  to  a  tract  of  land  in  the 
forks  of  the  Delaware.  The  Knglish  claimed  it  by  right  of 
purcha.<(e,  and  the  Uelawares  persisted  in  their  claim,  and 
threatened  to  use  force,  unless  it  should  bo  given  up  by  the 
whites.  The  Delawares  were  at  this  tinto  subject  to  the  Six 
Nations,  and  the  (fovernor  of  rennsylvania  sent  word  to  the 
chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  at  ()nonda;j;a,  to  interferct  and  pre- 
vent war.  It  wii;,  this  that  called  Canassotago  with  two 
handrni  and  thirty  Onondaga  warriors  to  Thiladolphia,  in 
1742.     Hv  siys : 

"  We  see  the  Delawares  have  been  an  unruly  people,  and 
altogether  in  tho  wrong.      The  Six  Nations  have  resolved  to 
remove  them  and  oblige  them  to  go  over  tho  river  Delaware, 
and  (piit  all  claim  to  any  lands  on  this  side,  for  the  future, 
,siiu'e  they  hud  received  pay  for  them,  and  it  is  gone  through 
their  guts  long  ago.     They  deserved  to  be  taken  by  the  hair 
of  the  head  and  shaken  severely,  till   they   recovered  their 
senses  and  became  sober.      I  have  seen  with  my  own  eyes  a 
deed  signed  by  nine  of  their  ancestors,  above  fifty  year  ago 
for  this  very  land."     Then  addressing  himself  to  the  Dela- 
wares present,   he    says:     ''How    came   you,  to  take  upon 
you  to  sell  land  at  all  ?     Wc  con(iuerod  you ;  wc  made  women 
of  you;  you  know  you  are  women  and  can  no  more  sell  land 
than  women,  nor  is  it  fit  you  should  have  the  i)ower  of  sell- 
ing lands,  since  you  woidd  abuse  it.     This  land  you  claim  has 
passed  through  you.     You  have  been  furnished  with  clothes, 
meat  and  drink,  by  the  goods  paid  you  for  it,  and  now  you 
want  it  again,  like  children  as  you  are.     But  what  makes  you 
sell  lands  in  the  dark '!     Did  you  ever  tell  vis,  that  you  had 
''.  this  land  ?      Did  we  ever  receive  any  part,  con  the 
value  of  a  pipe  shank  for  it  ?     You  have  told  us  a  blind  story, 
that  you  sent  a  messenger  to  us,  to  inform  us  of  the  sale, 
but  he  never  came  amongst  us,  nor  did  we  ever  hear  any  thing 
about  it.     This  acting  in  the  dark,  is  very  different  from  the 
conduct  our  Six  Nations  observe  in  the  bale  of  lands.     On 

J3 


08 


ONONDAGA, 


such  occasions  they  give  public  notice  and  invite  all  the  Indi- 
ans of  their  united  nations,  and  give  them  all  a  share  of  the 
presents  they  receive  for  their  lands. 

This  is  the  behavior  of  the  wise,  united  nations.  But  we 
find  you  are  none  of  our  blood  ;  you  act  a  dishonest  part,  not 
only  in  this,  but  in  other  matters  ;  your  cars  are  ever  open 
to  slanderous  reports  about  your  brethreii— you  are  Avonicn. 
For  all  these  reasons  we  cliarge  you  to  remove  instantly ;  we 
don't  give  you  liberty  to  think  about  it."  They  dared  not  diso- 
bey and  soon  removed,  leaving  cjuiet  possession  to  the  English. 
This  is  the  last  we  hear  of  this  great  chief;  of  his  after  life 
we  know  notliing  ;  at  this  period  he  was  far  advanced  in  year;; 
and  probably  soon  after  closed  his  earthly  career. 

OUN-Di-A-GA — Was  a  cliief  of  modern  times,  but  scarcely 
less  noted  than  his  illustrious  predecessors.     He  was  of  the 
Bear  tribe,  and  for  a  long  period  was  first  civil  chief  of  tlie 
Onondaga  nation.     He  was  also  a  famous  war  captain,  ami 
on  account  of  his  supericjr  martial  abilities,  was  selected  for 
that  important  office  at  an  early  age.     He  lived  at  a  time 
when  affairs  of  the  utmost  importance  were  transacted  in  re- 
gard  to  his  own  nation,  and  of  the   confederates  at  large. 
Born,  as  is  supposed,  in  the  year  1730,  his  youthful  days  were 
spent  upon  the  Avar  path,  and  from  childhood  he  was  familiar 
with  all  the  tempestuous  movements  of  the  Six  Nations,  during 
the  old  French  war,  and  the  border  wars  of  the  colonies.   Eavlv 
inured  to  arms,  he  became  distinguished  for  his  courage  and 
<kring  exploits,  which  were  signally  exhibited  on  several  oc- 
casions.    On  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities,  at  the  period  of 
the  American  Revolution,  he  was  selected  as  first  war  chief 
of  the  Onondagas.     He  commanded  a  party  of  Onondagas  at 
the  seige  of  Fort  Scliuyler,  by  St.  Leger,  and  took  an  active 
part  in  the  battle  of  Oriskany,  against  the  forces  of  the  United 
States.     He  was  also  i)resent  with  a  party  of  Onondao-as  at 
the  massacre  of  Cherry  Valley,  in  November,  1778.     Vv'hut 
part  he  took  in  that  memorable  transaction  is  not  known; 
but  that  he  was  present,  has  often  been  asserted,  and  con- 
firmed by  his  own  lips.     He  was  out  with  various  war  parties 


CHIEFS. 


te  all  the  Indi- 
a  share  of  the 

ions.     But  we 
onest  part,  not 

are  ever  open 
ou  are  women. 

instantly ;  we 
dared  not  diso- 
to  the  English. 
'  his  after  life 
anced  in  vears 
er. 

•,  hut  scarcely 
tie  was  of  the 
il  cliief  of  the 
•  captain,  and 
s  selected  for 
''cd  at  a  time 
nsacted  in  re- 
itcs  at  large, 
iful  days  wore 
'  was  faniiliiir 
ations,  durinir 
lonies.   Early 
i  courage  and 
)n  several  oc- 
tlie  period  of 
rst  war  chief 
Onondagas  at 
ook  an  active 
of  the  United 
Jnondugas  at 
1.778.     AVhat 

not  known ; 
ted,  and  con- 
s  war  parties- 


99 


to  the  Mohawk  country,  during  the  Revolution,  and  it  has 
been  said  he  was  present  with  the  Onondagas  at  the  massa- 
cre at  Coble's  Kill,— did  much  damage  to  the  frontier  in- 
habitants, and  to  the  last  was  the  uncompromising  enemy  of 
-the  Yanh'i'sr  (A  favorite  expression  with  him.)  He  was 
enlisted  with  a  party  of  Onondagas,  in  the  Indian  wars  of 
1794,  in  which  the  western  Indians  were  so  signally  defeated 
by  General  Wayne. 

The  Onondagas,  under  the  guidance  of  their  chiefs,  stood 
firm  through  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  and  many  a  brave  war- 
rior of  the  nation  bit  the  dust.  It  had  been  confidently  ex- 
pected by  the  Indians  that  General  Wayne  would  be  defeated; 
but  the  sequel  proved  the  contrary,  and  the  remnant  of  the 
band  of  Onondagas  came  home,  satisfied  to  live  in  peace  ever 
after  with  the  whites. 

Little  is  known  of  his  political  course  after  that  period;  it 
was  the  last  opportunity  he  had  to  signalize  himself  in  war. 

In  180(j  or  7,  a  mail  route  was  established  between  Onon- 
daga and  Oswego,  and  Oundiaga,  was  employed  as  the  first 
carrier.  At  this  period,  the  roads  (if  any)  for  a  great  part  of 
the  year  were  impassable,  and  communication  between  the  two 
places  was  only  made  on  foot  or  on  horseback.  Once  a  week 
the  mail  was  to  be  transported  to  Oswego  and  returned  to 
Onondaga.  It  was  put  up  in  a  small  valise,  to  leave  Onon- 
daga at  precisely  four  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Anticipatino- 
vhe  tmie,  the  great  war  captain  was  always  punctually  at  liis 
post  at  nme  o'clock  the  evening  before  he  was  to  start. 

After  being  put  in  possession  of  his  cbarcje,  he  usually  re- 
pau-ed  to  the  kitchen  of  a  distinguished  friend,*  and  without 
H  ^vord  of  comment,  stretched  himself  on  the  floor,  with  his  feet 
to  die  fire,-placed  his  precious  burthen  under  his  head,  and  was 
.^oon  fast  asleep.  At  the  hour  of  four,  without  a  sin-rle  in- 
stance of  omission,  he  aroused  himself,  and  be  the  weather 
never  so  mclement,  he  posted  off  with  all  the  consequence  of 
a  bearer  of  Government  dispatches.     On  his  arrival  at  Oswe- 


*  Judge  Foriiiaii. 


100 


ONONDAGA 


R> 


lii.ijijt 


}»  J 


go,  his  trust  was  faithfully  and  punctually  delivered,  and  on  the 
morrow  he  returned.  The  distance  from  Onondaga  to  Oswe- 
go is  about  forty  miles,  and  the  trusty  chief  traversed  the  route 
on  foot.  This  journey  he  performed  regularly  once  a  week 
and  returned,  usually  occupying  about  ten  hours  each  way. 
It  is  said  that  not  an  instance  was  ever  known  of  his  delav 
or  failure.  The  peoplo  of  Onondaga,  looked  for  and  receiv- 
ed their  mail  at  the  hand  of  Oundiaga,  with  as  much  punctu- 
ality as  they  have  at  an  y  time  since  by  stage  or  by  Rail  Road. 

The  following  interesting  anecdote  is  related  of  Oundiaga. 
It  may  not  have  been  original  Avith  him,  (yet  it  has  been  de- 
clared so)  still  it  typifies  his  feelings  and  character.  It  is  well 
known  that  he  was  a  persevering  enemy  to  all  encroachments 
being  made  upon  Indian  lands.  In  no  instance  was  he  ever 
known  to  countenance  any  act,  conveying  any  part  of  the  In- 
dian <lomain,  nor  docs  his  name  appear  in  any  of  the  treaties 
made  by  his  people. 

At  one  time,  Ave  believe  in  181.5,  a  gentleman  Avho  supposed 
he  possessed  some  influence  over  the  great  chief  of  the  Onon- 
dagas,  called  on  him  for  the  purpose  of  convincing  liiin  that 
for  once  it  Avould  not  be  improper  for  him  to  give  his  consent 
that  a  very  small  portion  of  land  miglit  be  conveyed  to  the 
Avhitos.  For,  said  the  gentleman,  you  Avill  scarcely  know  it. 
The  chief  Avas  unyielding.  The  gentleman  pressed  him  to 
give  a  reason.  Oundiaga  invited  him  to  take  a  seat  beside 
liim  on  a  log  some  twelve  feet  long.  They  sat  down  together: 
Oundiaga  at  one  end  and  the  gentleman  quite  near  to  him. 
The  chief  began  an  animated  conversation  about  the  first,  en- 
croaclnncnts  of  the  Avhites,  talked  of  their  cupidity  and  ava- 
rice, and  of  their  overreaching  the  Indians  in  trade.  At  the 
same  time  he  hitched  up  so  close  to  his  guest  as  seriously  to 
incommode  him,  and  who  Avas,  therefore,  obliged  to  move  more 
towards  the  center  of  the  I02;. 

The  chief  still  kept  engaged  in  spirited  and  agreeable  con- 
versation, occasionally  complaining  of  the  encroachments  of 
the  Avhites,  at  the  same  time  crowding  along  so  adroitly  that 
the  gentleman  had  not  the  slightest  suspicion  of  any  particular 


CHIEFS. 


101 


d,  and  on  the 
aga  to  Oswe- 
sed  the  route 
once  a  week 
rs  each  way. 

of  his  delay 
r  and  recciv- 
nuch  punctu- 
y  Rail  Road, 
if  Oundiaga, 
has  been  de- 
\  It  is  well 
icroachments 

was  he  ever 
rt  of  the  In- 
'  the  ti'eaties 

dio  supposed 
)f  the  Onon- 
ing  him  that 
0  his  consent 
veyed  to  the 
ely  know  it. 
ssscd  him  to 
'  seat  beside 
vn  together: 
near  to  him. 

the  first  en- 
ity  and  ava- 
de.     At  the 

seriously  to 
)  move  more 

;reeable  con- 
nchments  of 
ulroitlj  that 
ij  particular 


design.     The  white  man  at  length  found  himself  at  the  end 
of  the  log  farthest  from  where  he  had  at  first  sat  down,  with 
scarcely  room  to  sit.     He  looked  earnestly  into  the  face  of 
Oundiaga,  and  asked  him  what  he  meant.     At  the  same  in- 
stant the  chief  gave  one  tremendous  hunch  and  pitched  his 
guest  clear  from  the  log  and  laid  him  sprawling  on  the  ground. 
"There,"  said  the  chief,  "you  white  folks,  if  allowed  per- 
mission to  sit  down  with  us  on  a  little  piece  of  ground  on  our 
borders,  you  keep  crowding  up,  crowding  up,  till  the  Indian's 
land  is  very  small ;  and  finally,  we  shall  in  a  very  few  years 
be  entirely  driven  from  our  lands,  piece  by  piece,  without  any 
thing  to  help  ourselves  with,  as  you  have  been  crowded  from 
the  log.     We  shall  too  soon  be  at  your  mercy,  as  you  were  at 
mine.     Oundiaga  will  never  consent  to  part  with  one  foot  of 
our  Indian  lands, — go  tell  your  people  so." 

Like  most  of  his  race,  he  was  easily  attracted  by  gaudy  ap- 
parel and  glittering  ornaments,  and  often  judged  of  men  by 
these  insignia  of  wealth  and  rank.  On  one  occasion,  meet- 
ing with  Judge  Strong,  for  the  first  time,  at  the  door  of  his 
dwelling,  after  an  interchange  of  salutations,  the  chief  ap- 
peared to  take  a  particular  fancy  to  a  party-colored  vest,  then 
worn  by  the  Judge.  His  wife,  who  was  present,  also  express- 
ed by  signs  her  admiration  of  the  variegated  garment,  in 
which  red  was  a  prominent  color.  After  oxpressino-  their 
wonder  at  the  showy  article,  the  chief  was  asked  if  he  should 
like  to  have  it  for  his  own  ;  to  which  he  answered,  ''  vcnj.much, 
very  much."  The  garment  was  instantly  given  him,  Avhich 
won  for  the  giver  the  unlimited  confidence  and  esteem  of  the 
chief. 

He  never  felt  reconciled  to  the  treaty  of  Fort  StanAvix,  by 
which  so  large  a  portion  of  their  ancient  national  domain  was 
conveyed  to  the  Americans. 

His  intercourse  with  the  whites  was,  for  the  most  part,  re- 
served, circumspect  and  suspicious  ;  seldom  condescending  to 
speak  the  English  language.  During  the  latter  part  of'^his 
life  he  was  considered  the  nation's  oracle,  and  he  was  looked 
upon  by  his  people  at  large  as  almost  a  supernatural  being. 


102 


ONONDAGA 


»!.  ili 


Commanding  in  personal  appearance,  venerable  in  bearing, 
dignified  in  his  deportment,  aged  in  wisdom  and  experience, 
he  held,  for  a  long  period,  a  conspicuous  place  in  all  the  na- 
tional councils  as  a  civil  and  war  chief,  and  transacted  much 
of  the  important  business  of  the  nation.  This  distinguished 
chief  was  always  strenuously  opposed  to  the  introduction  of 
missionaries  among  his  people,  and  on  no  occasion  was  he  ever 
known  to  relent.  He  oftentimes,  in  the  national  councils,  op- 
posed their  propositions  to  come  among  the  natives,  and  often 
has  his  voice  been  raised  with  power  and  success  to  prevent 
them. 

His  character  may  be  summed  up  as  a  distinguished  warri- 
or, an  able  counsellor,  the  uncompromising  enemy  of  the 
whites,  a  man  thoroughly  versed  in  all  the  extravagant  and 
mysterious  mythology  of  his  people,  a  lover  of  their  peculiar 
institutions,  an  open  enemy  to  all  innovation,  and  a  pure,  un- 
sullied specimen  of  his  race. 

He  died  suddenly  by  the  road  side  near  Oneida,  wliilc  pro- 
ceeding thither  on  official  business  of  his  nation,  in  August, 
1839,  aged  ninety-one  years.  He  Avas  borne  to  his  grave  by 
a  large  concourse  of  Indians,  on  foot,  and  was  buried  at  Onei- 
da, with  every  demonstration  of  esteem  and  respect.  His 
grave  is  pointed  out  to  the  passer-by,  near  tlie  Oneida  Castle. 
His  memory  is  reverently  cherished  by  the  braves  of  his  na- 
_  tion,  and  his  name  will  long  be  gratefully  revered,  wliilc  his 
noble  acts  shall  live  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen. 

Anotlier  great  and  good  man,  the  first  civil  chief  of  the 
Onondagas,  when  first  visited  by  the  whites  in  1788,  and  well 
known  to  all  the  early  settlers  of  the  county,  waa  named  IvA- 
wiiic-DO-TA.  He  was  eminently  a  man  of  peace,  and  the 
early  settlers  all  speak  of  him  as  a  man  of  the  kindest  hospi- 
tality and  purest  benevolence,  from  the  most  disinterested 
motives.  He  often,  without  solicitation  or  expectation  of  re- 
ward, furnished  provisions  to  those  who  Avere  new  comers,  and 
whose  stores  were  scanty.  The  older  inhabitants,  who  are  yet 
living,  and  who  are  best  acquainted  with  him,  universally  ac- 
cord to  him  the  appellation  of  a  kind,  benevolent,  just  and 


CHIEFS, 


103 


(  in  bearing, 
I  experience, 
In  all  the  na- 
isacted  much 
distinguished 
troduction  of 
a  was  he  ever 
councils,  op- 
es, and  often 
s  to  prevent 

uished  warri- 
icmy  of  the 
avagant  and 
heir  peculiar 
d  a  pure,  un- 

a,  while  pro 
,  in  August, 
his  grave  by 
Tied  at  Onei- 
espcct.  Iliri 
neida  Castle. 
L^s  of  his  na- 
ed,  while  his 
men. 

chief  of  the 
'88,  and  Avell 
5  named  Ka- 
ce,  and  the 
indost  hospi- 
disintevcstcd 
tation  of  re- 
comers,  and 
,  who  are  yet 
dversally  ac- 
mt,  just  and 


• 


good  man,  ever  ready  to  contribute  to  the  necessities  of  the 
whites,  bountiful  in  gifts,  an  unfailing  and  devoted  friend  to 
all  men. 

He  was  in  possession  of  a  beautiful  trumpet,  which  he  called 
the  council  horn ;  by  a  single  blast  of  which  he  could  at 
once  summon  more  than  half  a  thousand  warriors  to  his  cabin. 
This  interesting  relic  is  yet  in  the  keeping  of  one  of  the 
principal  chiefs  of  the  nation,  Avho,  on  important  occasions, 
winds  it  for  the  gathering  of  the  clans.  Whenever  its  sound 
is  heard  over  the  reservation,  business  is  at  once  suspended, 
and  all  are  assured  that  no  ordinary  circumstance  awaits  their 
attention.  The  gray  haired  ancients,  and  high  plumed  war- 
riors, approach  the  council-house  in  haste,  while  tlie  women 
and  children  linger  around  the  door,  all  eager  to  catch  the 
first  accents  of  the  announcement  in  council.  The  last  time 
it  was  sounded  was  at  the  funeral  of  La  Fort. 

Kawhicdota  died  in  1808,  at  an  advanced  age,  lamented 
by  the  whites  no  less  than  by  the  Indians,  all  of  whom  felt 
the  greatest  sorrow  for  their  irreparable  loss.  lie  Avas  fol- 
lowed to  his  last  resting  place,  by  a  large  concourse  of  the 
the  most  respectable  citizens  of  the  county,  without  a  foe, 
beloved  and  lamented  by  all  Avho  knew  him. 

What  has  been  related  of  Kawhicdota,  will  apply  Avith 
equal  truth  to  the  amiable  and  good  Too-aviiis-quan-ta,  a 
civil  chief  in  high  estimation  among  his  own  people  and  the 
whites. 

The  late  Captain  Ilonnos,  a  distinguished  chief,  Avas  a  son 
of  KaAvhicdota,  and  bore  liis  name. 

Cox-YA-TAU-YOU,  Handsome  Lake,  or  the  Great  Prophet. 
One  of  the  most  important  personages,  Avho  has,  in  modern 
times,  appeared  among  the  Six  Nations,  ie  he  who  bore  the 
above  title.  He  Avas  a  Seneca,  from  the  Alleghany  reservation, 
and  a  brother  of  the  celebrated  Seneca  chief,  Corn  Planter. 

Corn  Planter,  becoming  jealous  of  the  rising  greatness  and 
power  of  Red  Jacket,  and  having  in  a  measure  lost  the  confi- 
dence of  his  countr^'men,  resoh^ed  upon  the  following  expedi- 
ent to  retrieve  his  declining  reputation  and  poAver :     He  per- 


■■fr\ 


104 


ONONDAGA. 


ii  I 


auaded  his  brother,  (the  subject  of  this  sketch,)  to  announce 
himself  as  a  proplict,  sent  expressly  from  the  great  spirit  to 
redeem  the  perishing  fortunes  of  the  Indian  race.  The  super- 
stitions of  the  natives,  easily  acted  upon,  induced  them,  witii- 
out  inquiry,  to  favor  the  deception.  In  many  respects  it  had 
a  benign  and  salutary  influence  over  a  large  portion  of  the 
Indian  population.  But  the  original  design  was  frustrated, 
by  the  superior  sagacity  and  eloquence  of  Red  Jacket,  who, 
foreseeing  the  impending  storm,  warded  off  the  machinations 
of  his  rival,  with  his  distinguished  ability  and  address. 

Tlic  circumstances  attending  the  pretended  divine  interpo- 
sition and  communication  of  heavenly  gifts  to  Conyatauyou, 
were  like  this.  During  the  former  part  of  his  life,  till  near 
fifty  years  old,  he  had  been  remarkable  for  nothing  but  his 
stupidity  and  drunkenness.  About  the  year  1790,  while 
lighting  his  pipe,  ho  suddenly  sunk  back  upon  his  couch,  upon 
which  he  was  then  sitting,  and  continued  in  a  state  of  insen- 
sibility for  six  or  eight  hours.  His  friends  supposing  him 
dead,  had  made  preparations  for  laying  him  out  preparatory 
for  burial.  While  in  the  act  of  removing  him  from  his  couch 
he  revived.  His  first  words  were,  "don't  be  alarmed,  I  have 
seen  Heaven ;  go  call  the  nation  together,  that  I  may  tell 
them  what  I  have  seen  and  heard." 

The  people  having  assembled  in  large  numbers  at  his  house, 
he  informed  them  that  he  had  seen  four  beautiful  young  men 
who  had  been  sent  from  Heaven  by  the  Great  Spirit,  and  who 
thus  addressed  him  :  "  The  Great  Spirit  is  angry  with  you 
and  all  the  red  men,  and  unless  you  immediately  refrain 
from  drunkenness,  lying  and  stealing,  you  shall  never  enter 
that  beautiful  place,  which  we  will  show  you."  He  stated 
that  he  was  then  conducted  by  these  young  men  to  the  gate 
of  Heaven,  which  was  opened,  but  he  was  not  allowed  to 
enter  ;  that  it  was  more  beautiful  than  any  thing  they  could 
conceive  of  or  describe,  and  that  the  inhabitants  appeared  to 
be  perfectly  happy ;  that  he  was  suffered  to  remain  there  three 
or  four  hours,  and  was  then  reconducted  to  the  earth  by  the 
same  young  men,  who  on  taking  their  leave,  promised  they 


#^ 


CHIEFS. 


105 


to  announce 
;reat  spirit  to 
.  The  super- 
d  them,  with- 
espects  it  had 
)Oition  of  the 
as  frustrated, 
,  Jacket,  who, 
machinations 
ddress. 
ivine  interpo- 
Oonyatauyou, 
life,  till  near 
thing  but  his 

1790,  while 
3  couch,  upon 
tate  of  insen- 
ipposing  him 
':  preparatory 
I'om  his  couch 
armed,  I  have 
it  I  may  tell 

5  at  his  house, 
il  young  men 
pirit,  and  who 
igry  with  you 
ately  refrain 
II  never  enter 
'  He  stated 
n  to  the  gate 
)t  allowed  to 
ig  they  could 
5  appeared  to 
in  there  three 
earth  by  the 
I'omised  they 


would  visit  him  yearly,  and  commanded  him  to  inform  all  the 
other  Indians  of  what  he  had  seen  and  heard.  He  imme- 
diately visited  the  different  nations  of  Indians  in  western 
Ne\v-York,  except  the  Oneidas,  who  would  never  consent  to 
his  prophecy  or  teaching.  They  all  put  implicit  faith  in  what 
he  said  and  afterAvards  reverenced  him  as  a  prophet. 

It  may  be  proper  to  observe  that  he  was  called  the  Peace 
Prophet,  in  contradistinction  to  the  brother  of  Tecumseh,  who 
was  styled  the  War  Prophet.* 

This  vision  of  the  prophet,  will  compare  well  Avith  that  of 
the  celebrated  DelaAvare  chief,  Keposh,  as  related  by  Loskiel, 
and  undoubtedly  the  prophets  Conyatauyou  andEllskwatawa, 
the  brother  of  Tecumseh,  both  conceived  their  plans  of  impo- 
sition from  that  source,  and  conducted  tlioTu  much  upon  the 
same  principles,  llis  introduction  to  the  (>nondaga  nation 
was  like  this.  At  tlie  time  the  whites  came  among  this  peo- 
ple they  were  greatly  addicted  to  the  use  of  ardent  spirits, 
and  frequently  indulged  in  it  to  the  most  beastly  excess.  In 
the  year  17t>0  or  '91,\v]iile  Mr.  Webster  occupied  his  trading 
house  at  the  mouth  of  Onondaga  creek,  eighteen  of  the  prin- 
cipal chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Onon<l:igas  called  on  him,  sta- 
ting that  they  had  just  set  out  to  attend  a  great  council  of 
the  six  nations,  to  be  held  at  Bufialo.  As  was  customary, 
Mr.  Webster  produced  his  bottle,  and  it  was  plied  with  a  right 
good  will  to  the  lips  of  all.  Webster  was  always  a  special 
favorite  Avith  the  Indians,  and  on  this  occasion  parted  Avith  his 
guests  Avith  unusual  demonstrations  of  mutual  attachment. 
In  due  time,  these  delegates  returned  ;  and  as  usual  the  bot- 
tle of  strong  drink  Avas  placed  before  them.  To  the  utter  as- 
tonishment of  Mr.  Webster,  every  man  of  them  refused  to 
touch  it.  This  he  at  first  understood  to  denote  the  fiercest 
hostility,  and  for  a  time,  he  supposed  they  contemplated  tak- 
ing his  life — for  he  could  imagine  that  nothing  short  of  the 
most  deadly  resentment,  (or  a  miracle)  could  produce  so  great 
a  change.     He  was  not  long  left  in  this  painful  state  of  anx- 


♦  Onondaga  Register,  August  23,  1815. 

u 


1 1 ' 


i 


>♦* 


106 
iety  and 


ONONDAGA. 

Tlic  cliiefs  explained. 


suspense.      J.ne  cniets  explained  .._^ 

at  Buflalo,  a  Phopiiet  of  the  Seneca  nation,  wlio  liad  assured 
them,  and  in  this  assurance  they  iiad  the  most  implicit  confi- 
dence, that  without  a  total  abstinence,  from  the  use  of  ardent 
spirits,  they  and  their   race  would   shortly  become  extinct ; 
t!)at  they  had  entered  upon  a  resolution,  never  again  to  taste 
the  baneful  article,  and  that  they  hoped  to  be  able  to  prevail 
on  their  nation  to  adopt  the  same  salutary  resolution.     Many 
iit  this  early  day  adopted  the  temperance  principles,  it  is  said 
at  least  three  fourths  of  all  the  nsition  ;  and  of  all  those  who 
pled^avl  tliemaelves  to  the  cause,  not  an  instance  was  known 
of  alienation  or  neglect ;  but  to  a  man,  they  religiously  ad- 
hered to  their  solemn  pledge.     The  consequence  was,  that  from 
a  drunken,  filthy,  lazy,  worthless,  set  of  beings,  they  became 
a  cleanly,  industrious,  sober,  happy,  and    more   prosperous 
people. 

At  this  period,  it  Avas  considered  one  of  the  most  temperate 
coinmuuities  in  the  laiul ;  only  a  very  few  of  the  nation  in- 
<lulging  in  the  intoxicating  cup,  and  these  were  treated  with 
contempt  by  their  more  sober  companions.  Not  lon,o-  after 
this,  the  Prophet  came  in  person  to  reside  for  a  season  among 
the  Onondagas.  He  harangued  and  exhorted  them  continu- 
ally, and  became  distinguished  among  them  for  his  powers 
and  abilities.  Pusiness  transactions  were  conducted  under  his 
direction  and  advice.  On  all  occasions  of  diiliculty,  he  was 
looked  up  to  as  the  only  individual  who  could  restore  things 
to  a  proper  degree  of  order.  Ilis  exami)les  and  precepts 
were  eminently  for  the  good  of  the  people,  and  had  they  per- 
severed in  his  wholesome  lessons  of  virtuous  integrity,  they 
would  have  been  far  wiser  and  happier  than  they  are  at  pre- 
sent. 

The  following  article,  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  Hon. 
Henry  Dearborn,  will  illustrate,  better  than  any  thing  else, 
the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  the  nation  and 
abroad : 

"  To  Cox-YA-TAU-You,  (or  Handsome  Lake,)  with  his  breth- 
ren and  associates  of  the  Seneca  and  Ononda-ra  nations  of 


CHIEFS. 


107 


.hey  lijid  met 

I  liiid  assured 
nplioit  confi- 
iso  of  ardent 
>ine  extinct ; 
Jjain  to  taste 
h  to  prevail 
ion.  Many 
les,  it  is  said 

II  those  who 
i  was  known 
ligiousl}'  ad- 
LS,  that  from 
;licy  became 

prosperous 

t  temperate 
3  nation  in- 
;veated  witli 
long  after 
ison  amonir 
Mn  continu- 
his  })owers 
'd  under  his 
Itv,  he  was 
tore  things 
d  precepts 
d  they  per- 
grity,  they 
are  at  prc- 

iVar,  Hon. 
thing  else, 
lation    and 

I  his  breth- 
nations  of 


Indians  now  present,  at  the  seat  of  government  of  the  United 

States : 

"  Brothers — Your  father  and  good  friend,  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  lias  taken  into  consideration  all  that  you 
communicated  to  him  when  you  took  him  by  the  hand  three 
days  ago ;  and  he  has  authorized  nie  to  give  you  the  follow- 
ing answer :  Brothers — The  President  is  pleased  with  seeing 
you  all  in  good  health,  after  so  long  a  journey,  and  he  re- 
joices in  his  heart,  that  one  of  your  own  people  has  been  em- 
ployed to  make  you  sober,  good  and  ha})py  ;  and  that  he  is  so 
well  disposed  to  give  you  good  advice,  and  to  set  before  you 
so  good  examples. 

"Brothers — If  all  the  red  people  follow  the  advice  of  your 
friend  and  teacher,  the  Handsome  Lake,  and  in  future  will  be 
sober,  honest,  industrious  and  good,  there  can  be  no  doubt 
hut  the  Great  Spirit  will  take  care  of  you  and  make  you  happy. 

"Brothers — The  great  council  of  the  sixteen  fires,  and  the 
President  of  the  United  StatOvS,  all  wish  to  live  with  the  red 
people  like  brothers  ;  to  have  no  more  wars  or  disputes,  but  to 
pursue  such  measures  as  shall  contribute  to  their  lasting  com- 
fort. For  this  purpose  the  great  council  of  the  sixteen  fires 
are  now  considering  the  propriety  of  prohibiting  the  use  of 
spirituous  li(|uors  among  all  their  red  brethren  within  the 
Fuited  States.  This  measure,  if  carried  into  effect,  will  be 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  the  Great  Being,  who  delights  in  the 
happiness  of  his  common  family. 

"  Brothers — Your  father,  the  President,  will  at  all  times  bo 
your  friend,  and  he  will  protect  you  and  all  his  red  children 
from  bad  people,  who  would  do  you  or  them  any  injury.  And 
he  will  give  you  a  writing  or  paper,  to  assure  you,  that  what 
lands  you  hold  cannot  be  taken  from  you  by  any  person,  ex- 
cepting by  your  own  consent  and  agreement. 

"Brothers — The  Handsome  Lake  has  told  us,  that  the  four 
angels  have  desired  him  to  select  two  sober  men  to  take  care 
of  this  business,  and  that  he  has  chosen  Charles  U'Beal  and 
Strong  for  this  purpose.  The  President  is  willing  that  his 
red  children  should  choose  their  own  agents  for  transacting' 


108 


ONONDAGA. 


'I    r 


their  business,  and  if  Charles  O'Heal  and  Strong  are  the  men 
whom  your  people  can  best  confide  in,  he  has  no  objection  to 
their  being  appointed.  But,  it  would  bo  improper  for  the 
President  to  interfere  in  your  national  appointments. 

"  Given  under  my  hand  and  tiie  seal  of  the  war  of- 
[L.  S.]    fice  of  the  United  States,  this  UUh  day  of  March, 

A.  D.,  1802.  (Si-ned)  II.  DEARBORN." 
For  a  period  of  a  quarter  of  a  century,  tliis  illustrious  sccr 
exercised  an  almost  unbounded  influence  for  the  good  of  the 
Indian  nations.  Scarce  an  individual  but  regarded  him  with 
the  most  profound  veneration  and  awe.  His  influence,  his 
teachings  and  examples,  are  held  in  pious  regard  even  to  this 
day,  and  the  remembrance  of  his  many  virtues  and  his  excel- 
lence, still  serves  to  sustain  many  of  his  countrymen  in  the 
way  of  well  doing,  and  to  prevent  them  from  falling  into  de- 
generacy, lie  annually  visited  all  the  six  nations,  (the  Onei- 
das  excepted,)  and  preached  and  exhorted  them  to  beware  of 
their  besetting  sins,  and  the  evil  to  come.  On  one  of  these 
annual  visits  to  Onondaga,  he  was  suddenly  taken  ill,  and  af- 
ter a  short  illness,  died  at  the  Castle  on  Sunday,  the  10th  of 
August,  1815.* 

Those  who  had  been  acffuainted  with  the  influence  this 
man's  preaching  produced  upon  the  conduct  of  the  Six  Na- 
tions, (the  Oneidas  excepted)  looked  upon  his  death  as  a  se- 
vere dispensation  of  divine  providence.  lie  was  buried  under 
the  centre  of  the  old  council-house,  amidst  every  manifesta- 
tion of  sorrow  and  regret,  surrounded  by  the  entire  people, 
who  had  gathered  to  pay  the  last  tribute  of  respect,  to  one 
who  for  a  long  time,  had  held  almost  unlimited  control  over 
their  destinies.  Some  of  the  strongest  appeals,  of  which  In- 
dian eloquence  is  capable,  have  been  made  over  the  grave  of 
the  prophet,  and  the  presence  of  his  dust,  in  the  midst  of 
their  council-room,  has  stimulated  many  a  heart  to  virtuous 
action.  If  a  wayward  soul  has  gone  astray  in  the  path  of 
intoxication,  he  is  directed  to  the  grave  of  the  Prophet.     If 


*  Onondaga  Register. 


CHIEFS. 


109 


I  are  the  men 
)  objection  to 
oper  for  the 
onta. 

f  the  war  of- 
ay of  March, 
ilBORN." 
lustrious  seer 

good  of  the 
led  him  Avith 
iiflucnce,  his 

even  to  this 
nd  his  excel- 
vmen  in  the 
ling  into  de- 
s,  (tlie  Onei- 
to  beware  of 
)ne  of  these 
n  ill,  and  af- 

tlie  10th  of 

ifliicnce  this 
the  Six  Na- 
^ath  as  a  se- 
)uried  under 
y  manifesta- 
tire  people, 
pect,  to  one 
control  over 
)f  which  In- 
he  grave  of 
le  midst  of 
to  virtuous 
;he  path  of 
rophet.     If 


he  has  overstepped  the  bounds  of  truth  and  propriety,  he  is 
reminded  that  the  Prophet  taught  not  so ;  and,  with  a  regard 
for  his  memory,  little  short  of  adoration,  the  delinquent  pro- 
mises reformation  and  obedience. 

It  has  been  related  by  several  persons,  and  it  is  believed 
!)y  the  Indians,  that  he  actually  foretold  the  hour  and  man- 
ner of  his  death. 

()s-SA-iiix-TA — Captain  Frost — This  distinguished  chief  of 
the  Onondagas',  wlio  presided  with  great  ability  over  the  coun- 
cils of  the  nation  from  1880  to  1840,  possessed  a  character 
and  a  name,  which  eminently  deserves  to  be  reniembere<l.  He 
was  a  cousin  of  the  celebrated  Oundiaga,  and  a  nephew  of 
Kiiwhicdota.  lie  was  distingiiislied  for  the  nobleness  of  his 
ehiiracter,  the  peculiar  fervidnoss  of  his  eloquence,  and  his 
luiimpoachable  integrity — qualities  which  secured  for  him  the 
unlimited  cotiKdojice  of  his  nation.  His  most  (listinjxuished 
iissociates  have  been,  Oii-iiE-xr,  (Captain  llonnos)  (Mi-ka-a- 
yi;n(JK,  (Onondaga  Peter)  Ka-iia-ykxt,  (Captain  Joseph) 
0-uiiA-TA-KAK,  (Captain  Joseph  2d)  Dk-hat-ka-tons,  (Abram 
Lu  Fort)  and  Ut-ha-wah,  (Captain  Cold).  This  latter  for 
a  long  time  was  keeper  of  the  council-fire  of  the  Six  Na- 
tions, and  resided  on  the  Tonewanda  Reservation  till  the 
time  of  his  death,  wliich  occurred  in  the  fall  of  1847,  when 
this  sacred  symbol  was  restored  to  its  ancient  hearth  at  Onon- 
daga, to  the  keeping  of  De-uat-ka-tons.  His  name  has  usu- 
ally been  pronounced  Cole,  but  his  real  name  was  Cold,  and 
so  named  on  account  of  the  severity  of  the  weather  at  the 
time  of  his  birth.  He  was  a  man  of  eminence  as  a  counsellor 
and  chief. 

Captain  llonnos  was  considered  as  second  to  none  of  hi.s 
people  in  point  of  talents,  energy  and  manly  bearing  :  and  all 
those  who  have  been  named,  Avere  men,  whose  characters  were 
without  reproach,  and  whose  names  will  live  in  the  unwritten 
records  of  the  nation,  so  long  as  a  remnant  of  their  perishing 
institutions  is  permitted  by  an  all-Avise  providence  to  remain. 
ALis  I  not  one  of  these  noble  men  now  live.  The  grass  groAvs 
green  over  th.oir  humble  graves,  and  like  those  Avho  have  gone  be- 


-rl 


110 


ONONDAGA. 


(l- 


foro  thoni,  their  bones  may  ere  long  bo  turned  out  of  their 
.(uict  resting  phice  by  the  careless  plowman,  ami  bo  left  to 
bleach  and  blacken  in  the  storm,  as  the  wondering  traveler 
passes  them  thoughtlessly  by. 

Ossahiiitu,  was  of  the  Turtle  tribe  of  the  Onondagas,  a 
clan  which  by  the  laws  of  the  luifion,  may  be  entitled  to  the 
distinguishc.l  |)rivil('gc  «)f  funiisliing  a  Head  (.'hief,  the  high- 
est ofiice  in  the  gift  of   the   ('(.iincil.       lie  had,  therefore,  a 
hereditary  claim  to  distiiictidu  l.y  relation  and  clanship,     [n 
early  life,  he   was  sclecU-d  by  the  sachems  of  his  nation,  to 
serve  in  the  capacity  of  a  runner.     The  manner  of  convey- 
ing im|)ort:nit  iiitflligciice,  unlike  our  mail  system,  re(|uire(l 
the  bearer  himself,  to  understand  perfectly,  so  as  to  narrate 
correctly,  the  information  to  be  transmitted.     CNjnsequentiv, 
for  this  important  station,  none  but  men  of  the  keenest  diplo- 
matic talents,  and  the  purest  patriots  of  the  nation  were  ever 
selected  to  act  in  this  exalted  sphere.     His  talents,  integrity 
and  devotedness  to  his  country's  welfare,  enal)led  and  stinm- 
lated  him,  to  perform  all  the  duties  assigned  him  by  Lis  con- 
fiding countrymen,  most,  faithfully  and  satisfactorily,  and  lie 
thus  secured  that  confidence,  esteem  and  aflVc-tioii  of  his  breth- 
ren, -which  attended  liiiu  throughout  a  long  and  active  life. 
By    this    means,    he    became    thoroughly    versed    in    all 
the  intricacies,  of  the  civil  polity  and  history  of  the  Iroquois, 
and  was  called  upon  as  one  after  another  of  the  old  sachems 
were  called  to  the  regions  of  the  "  Great  Spirit,"  to  take 
part  in  the  religious  ceremonies  and  observances  of  the  con- 
fedei'acy,  as  well  as  in  the  important  duties,  which  ordinarily 
devolved  upon  him,  at  the  conventions  of  their  stated  coun- 
cils.    By  his  strength  of  mind  and  native  energy  of  charac- 
ter, he  rose  to  eminence  in  the  great  councils  of  the  united 
nations.     And  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  supposed  to 
be  the  only  person  among  the  Iroquois,  who  perfectly  under- 
stood the  genius  and  policy  of  their  ancient  government,  the 
peculiar  forms  of  organizing  general  councils,  and  the  prac- 
tice and  celebration  of  all  their  Pagan  rites.      At  the  last 
gi-and  council  of  the  Six  Nations,  held  upon  the  Tonawanda 


(MIIKFS, 


111 


I  out  of  their 
nd  be  loft  to 
I'iii^    traveler 

)non(lftgas,  a 
iititlcd  to  the 
lii'f,  tlio  liifrh- 
,  thi'fctorc,  a 
•liinship.  In 
lis  nation,  to 
!•  of  convey- 
cm,  r('(|iiire(l 
IS  to  narrate 
"oiiscMjiioiitly, 
ct'Oiiost  ili[)ki- 
ion  wore  ever 
tits,  integrity 
kI  and  stiniu- 
n  by  his  coii- 
nrily,  and  he 

III"  his  brctli- 
l  active  life. 
M'sed  in  ail 
the  Iro(|uois, 
old  sachems 
rit,"  to  take 

of  the  coii- 
;h  ordinarily 
■stated  couii- 
V  of  charac- 
f  the  united 
supposed  to 
ectly  under- 
'rnment,  the 
id  the  prac- 
At  the  last 
Tonawanda 


reservation  in  October,  lH4r),  he  bore  a  conspicuous  part,  and 
most  ahly  represented  the  Onondagas.     In  fact,  he  muh  the 
chief  director  of  all  their  principal  ceremonies.     Many  of  the 
younger  chiefs  had  jiever  Avitnessed  the  sublime  organizati(»n 
of  a  grand  council  of  the  Iroquois  until  now,  and  the  hoary 
chief  (Ml  this  occasion  jiroved  himself  a  faithful  guardian  to 
his  yimtlifiil  wards,  and  lil<e  a  wise  and  prudent  father  and 
counsellor,  e.vjihiined  the  way  in   which  they  ought  to  walk. 
It  wiis  not  alone  as  an  ahh;  diplomatist  or  distin^ruished  conn- 
sellor,  that  ho  became  most  conspicuous.     He  was  preeminent 
as  an  orator;  and  whether  in  the  council  room  of  his  own 
Onondaga,  or  amidst  the  most  talented  and  distinguished  men 
of  the  confederacy,  he  wielded  a  power  in  the  untutored  de- 
mocracy of  his  race,  which  at  all  times  seemed  irresistible. 
The  varying  play  of  his  features  and  voice,  the  graceful  ges- 
iiirc  of  his  })ersoi! — strong  without  vehemence — the  lightning 
Ihish  of  his  eye,  beaming  with  the  most  lively  expression — 
made  him  a  most  interesting  person  to  belndd.     Add  to  these 
'[ualificatlons,  a  sound  judgment,  a  discriminating   taste,  a 
conception  bold  and  original,  and  a  eom]dete  master  of  the 
subject  under  consideration,  and  you  have  the  faint  shadoAv- 
iii;.r  of  a  man   who  amid   the  loudest  storm   of  declamation, 
amidst  tli(>  fiercest  blaze  of  jiassson  carried  conviction  to  every 
heart.    The  dauntless  energy  of  his  mind,  the  firm  spirit  of  his 
resolution,  his  nndeviating  patriotism,  without  the  sacrifice  of 
persona]  dignity,  carried  with  him  the  hearts  and  affections  of 
his  hearers.     It  has  been  the  jdeasure  and  good  fortune  of 
tlie  author,  on  sundry   important   occasions   to    witness  the 
attractions  of  his  elofpience,  and  although  not  understanding 
a  word  which  he  uttered,  has  been  forced  by  the  energy  of 
his  manner,  the  grace  of  his  gesture,  the   elegance  of  his 
tone,  and  the  thrilling  responses  of  his  hearers,  to  feel  con- 
vinced of  the  transcendant  powers  of  this  distinguished  man. 
Being  entitled  to  the  honors  of  chief  sachemship  by  birth, 
iind  this  being  confirmed  by  election,  he  stood  at  the  head  of 
his  people,  a  noble  example  of  the  great  and  good — an  exalt- 
ed specimen  of  his  race.      The  Onondaga  nation,  as  a  fur- 


;-l4  >S3 


112 


ONONDAGA. 


!   '  ,;  ii 


V  .1 


ther  testimony  of  their  confidence  and  esteem,  conferred  upon 
him  the  honorary  title  of  war  captain,  the  highest  title  known 
to  their  military  usages,  as  a  reward  for  his  distinguished  ser- 
vices, and  as  a  tribute  to  his  superior  wisdom  and  greatness. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  an  admirable  pattern  of  In- 
dian excellence.  Although  he  rigidly  adhered  to  the  customs 
and  religion  of  his  fathers,  no  man  could  be  more  devoted  to 
sentiments  of  friendship  and  peace.  "Whenever  tlie  shrill  war- 
whoop  sounded  tlirough  his  native  woodlands,  its  echos  had 
scarcely  suspended  their  reverberations  from  the  surrounding 
hills,  before  his  influence  was  felt  in  quieting  the  tempest, 
and  in  securing  an  adjustment  of  difficulties.  It  is  true,  his 
career  was  not  marked  Ijy  scenes  of  rapine  and  blood  ;  no 
mighty  warlike  schemes  were  projected  during  his  ascenden- 
cy— no  madly  contested  battle  fleld  marked  the  progress  of 
his  course,  nor  was  the  clangor  of  arms,  or  the  deceit  of  es- 
pionage or  the  Ct'al't;  of  sti'ategy — elements  that  entered 
prominently  into  the  formation  of  his  cliaracter.  Circumstan- 
ces never  tried  him  as  a  warrior.  IJut  from  his  bold  and 
fearless  spirit,  his  active  and  penetrating  judgment,  his  easy 
discernment  of  the  capacities  of  men,  ami  Avithal  his  unbound- 
ed influenco  with  his  countrymen — it  is  to  be  inferred  that 
had  his  talents  been  thus  require  1  and  exerted,  he  would  have 
been  as  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  a  warlike  leader  as 
he  was  in  the  councils  of  the  nations. 

Having  drank  deeply  at  the  fountain  of  instruction  diffused 
by  the  Great  Prophet,  Conyataiiyou,  he  was  strictly  temper- 
ate in  his  habits,  and  frequently  mourned  over  the  wretched- 
ness and  degradation  of  his  brethren,  occasioned  by  the  '•//« 
water"  of  the  pale  faces.  Like  his  pi'c  lecessors,  he  rogarilod 
the  introduction  of  ardent  spirits  among  his  pi^aple  as  a  plot, 
to  extirpate  the  red  race,  and  to  eradicate  their  power.  His 
admonitions  to  his  people  in  regard  to  "  icaolnr/  tohiskei/  to  the 
whites,"  were  cogent  and  salutary,  and  ffcqui.'ntly  wlto  the 
national  councils  enriched  with  his  eloquent  temperance  ap- 
peals. Never  was  a  man  admitted  to  their  councils  who  swayed 
their  wild  spirits  Avith  so  much  effect,  dignity  and  grace. 


CHIEFS. 


113 


nferred  upon 
it  title  known 
iguished  ser- 
greatness. 
attern  of  In- 

the  customs 
'0  devoted  to 
le  shrill  war- 
ts eclios  had 
surrounding 
the  tempest, 
.t  is  true,  his 
d  blood  ;  no 
is  ascenden- 

progress  of 
deceit  of  es- 
;hat  entered 
Circumstan- 
us  bold  and 
ent,  liis  easy 
his  unbound- 
inferred  that 
}  Avould  have 
ke  leader  as 

3tion  diffused 
ctly  tempcr- 
ic  wvetched- 
by  the  ''fire 
he  vegarded 
)le  as  a  plot, 
power.  His 
Iilskeij  to  the 
tly  were  the 
iperance  ap- 
1  who  swayed 
1  grace. 


Ossahinta,  died  at  his  residence,  near  the  council-house  of 
the  Onondaga  nation,  on  the  24th  day  of  January,  1846,  in 
the  eighty-sixth  year  of  his  age,  much  lamented  by  his  coun- 
trymen. His  funeral  was  attended  by  a  large  majority  of 
the  nation,  and  numbers  of  his  white  friends  were  present  to 
pay  their  last  fond  regards  to  the  distinguished  and  illustrious 
dead. 

His  remains  were  interred  in  the  common  burying  place  of 
the  nation,  in  all  the  pomp  and  circumstance  of  aboriginal 
ceremony.  The  stoical  silence  of  his  male  brethren,  and  the 
tears  and  moans  of  his  female  relatives  and  friends,  told  plainly 
the  hold  he  had  on  their  affections  and  the  loss  which  they 
were  called  upon  to  mourn. 

By  way  of  eminence,  this  truly  great  man  was  sometimes 
styled  Ka-ge-a-lo-ha-ta,  the  head  man  or  oracle  of  the  Onon- 
dagas — a  very  Cato. 

A  few  montlis  before  his  death,  he  was  persuaded  to  sit  for 
liis  picture,  to  Mr.  Sanford  Thayer,  an  excellent  artist  of  the 
city  of  Syracuse.  The  picture  is  a  capital  likeness  of  him 
as  he  was  usually  dressed  and  decorated  on  state  occasions. 
From,  this  picture,  now  in  possession  of  Mr.  Welch,  of  Syra- 
cuse, a  spirited  steel  engraving  has  been  made  by  Messrs. 
Chase  &  Ostrander,  which  is  placed  as  a  frontispiece  to  this 
work,  and  represents  the  care  worn  chieftain  as  he  was  famili- 
arly known  to  many  of  the  citizens  of  our  county,  in  the 
pahny  days  of  his  usefulness  and  power. 

From  time  immemorial,  the  Onondagas  have  furnished  the 
King— "TAir-TO-TATi,"  or  principal  civil  officer  of  the  con- 
federacy. This  celebrated  personage  has  usually  resided  at 
Onondaga.  The  present  Tah-to-tah  is  a  reputed  grandson  of 
Ephraim  Webster,  and  the  son  of  a  daughter  of  the  late 
Ossahinta.  The  line  of  descent  in  all  instances  among  the 
Six  Nations,  has  always  been  with  the  female  branch  of  the 
family,  and  this  succession  has  been  through  the  daughter  of 
Ossahinta,  her  mother,  grandmother  and  so  up  to  the  first 
Tah-to-tah— this  being  the  XIII.,  XIV.  or  XV.  from  the  first. 
The  present  king  is  now  (1848)  about  seven  years  old,  pos- 

16 


0 


'$  m 


!    't 


I  :> 


114 


ONONDAGA. 


sessing  an  intelligent  countenance,  muscular  frame,  and  much 
intellectual  vigor — with  eyes  like  an  eagle.  He  now  takes 
part  in  all  their  Pagan  ceremonies,  distinguishes  himself  in 
their  dances,  and  is  a  usual  attendant  upon  councils.  But 
alas ;  the  title  is  all  he  can  possess  of  royalty. 

De-iiat-ka-tons— Abram  La  Fort.— This  distinguished  chief 
was  the  successor  of  Captain  Frost,  in  the  principal  chieftain- 
ship of  the  Onondagas,  and  in  all  the  mythology  and  intricate 
mysteries  of  the  peculiar  institutions  of  the  Six  Nations.     He 
was  born  in  the  year  1794,  and  Avas  a  son  of  the  celebrated 
HoH-A-HOA-QUA,  (La  Fort,)  who  fell  in  the  service  of  his 
country,  valiantly  fighting  at  the  head  of  his  warriors,  in  be- 
half of  the  United  States,  on  the  battle  field  of  ChippoAva,  on 
the  6t]i  of  July,  1814.     Dehatkatons  was  of  the  Beaver  clan 
of  the  Onondagas,  and  received  his  English  appellation  through 
one  of  his  ancestors,  (his  grand-father  or  great  grand-father) 
awarded  upon  a  battle  field,  in  which  the  French  and  English 
were  engaged,  during  the  old  French  war.     On  this  occasion, 
the  warrior  sachem  had  performed   prodigies  of  valor,  and 
Avith  his  red  riglit  hand  and  uplifted  arm,  had  slain  many  of 
his  foes,  in  consequence  of  which,  he  was  named  La  Fort* 
by  the  French,  Avhich  conferred  the  title  of  the  Brave.     This 
title  Avas  held  in  high  estimation  by  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
and  Avhenever  he  alluded  to  the  circumstances  of  its  origin. 
his  countenance  Avould  light  up  with  peculiar  lustre,  and  his 
sharp,  keen  eye  flash  with  delight.     The  father  of  Dehatka- 
tons Avas  a  civil  ehioi"  of  great  distinction  forty  years  a^o,  and 
then  second  only  to  Oundiaga.     On  account  of  his  uncommon 
martial  abilities,  he  Avas  chosen  Avar  captain  of  the  Onondao-as, 
and  subsequently  first  Avar  chief  of  the  Six  Nations,  in  Avhich 
capacity  he  acted  on  the  frontier,  in  the  early  part  of  the 
campaign  of  1814,  until  his  death.     While  the  life  blood  of 
the  warrior  chief  was  fast  flowing  upon  the  plain  of  ChippcAva, 


*  Le  being  the  French  article  for  nouns  of  the  niascuhne  gentler,  and  La  for 
those  of  the  feminine,  this  sliould  properly  be  written  Le  Fort ;  but,  as  it  was 
written  by  himself  Las  Fort,  we  adopt  it  as  his  proper  name. 


CHIEFS. 


115 


anie,  and  much 

He  now  takes 

shes  himself  in 

councils.     But 

inguished  chief 
cipal  chieftain- 
y  and  intricate 
Nations.  He 
the  celebrated 
service  of  his 
warriors,  in  be- 
'  Chippewa,  on 
le  Beaver  clan 
Ilation  throufrh 

o 

I  grand-father) 
ih  and  English 
.  this  occasion, 

of  valor,  and 
slain  many  of 
led  La  Fort* 

Brave.  This 
of  this  sketcli, 

of  its  origin, 
ustre,  and  his 
r  of  Dehatka- 
rears  ago,  and 
bis  uncommon 
le  Onondagas, 
ions,  in  which 
y  part  of  the 
!  life  blood  of 

of  Chippewa, 


;:ender,  and  Im  for 
t ;  but,  as  it  was 


the  braves  of  the  Onondagas  gathered  around  the  prostrate 
hero,  and  exclaimed  in  their  own  language,  "Alas!  great 
chief!  The  Brave  !  the  Brave  !" 

Dohatkatons,  then  in  the  twentieth  year  of  his  age,  accom- 
panied his  father  to  the  Niagara  frontier,  was  present  with  him 
at  the  time  he  was  shot,  and  assisted  to  bear  his  bleeding  sire 
from  the  field,  amid  the  din  and  danger  of  angry  battle.  Af- 
ter the  burial  of  his  father,  being  deeply  imbued  with  the  su- 
perstitions of  his  race,  he  returned  to  his  home,  and  there  with 
his  relations  and  friends,  bewailed  the  loss  of  the  great  war 
captain  of  the  Six  Nations. 

Dohatkatons  succeeded  in  part  to  the  title  of  the  sachem- 
ship  held  by  his  father,  through  the  voice  and  consent  of  the 
nation.  But  it  was  not  until  the  death  of  Ossahinta,  that  he 
was  invested  with  all  the  insignia  of  rank  pertaining  to  the 
office  of  principal  chief.  He  was  connected,  by  consanguinity 
or  affinity  with  all  the  principal  chiefs  of  a  long  and  uninter- 
rupted line,  and  to  Tahtotah  or  king  of  the  Six  Nations ;  Oun- 
diaga,  Tiungktakonea  (Captain  George)  and  Ossahinta  were 
his  uncles. 

After  the  death  of  his  father,  he  was  admitted  to  a  seat  in 
the  councils  of  his  countrymen.  He  was  entitled  to  this  dis- 
tinction through  his  mother,  a  sister  of  Oundiaga. 

The  next  we  hear  of  our  late  friend,  is  in  connection  with 
the  Oneida  mission,  established  by  Bishop  Ilobart.  In  re- 
lating the  circumstances  of  a  visit  to  Onondaga,  in  1816,  Rev. 
ilr.  Eleazar  Williams  in  his  journal  says:  "I  was  happy  to 
find  Abram  La  Fort  appeared  to  be  under  serious  impres- 
sions, llis  inquiries  after  the  nature  and  design  of  Christi- 
anity, are  such  as  to  give  me  the  greatest  hopes  that  his  heart 
had  been  touched  and  moved  by  the  spirit  of  God,  to  make 
these  inquiries.  He  has  engaged  to  come  monthly  to  Oneida, 
for  religious  instruction,  which  I  will  most  cheerfully  give 
him," 

The  Rev.  E.  G.  Gear,  who  was  at  this  time  a  missionary 
at  Onondaga  Hill,  and  who  often  visited  the  Onondaga  In- 
dians, thus  makes  mention  of  him :  "  I  found  him  in  a  corn- 


Bsf^fS^Rl 

p  H 

B         '  ^  i 

1    M 

1 ,"  M 

'  n 

I  '    .  ii'^a 

VM 

11 

BHJBMy 

1 

116 


ONONDAGA 


'*! 


;i  i 


field,  almost  entirely  naked,  at  work  with  his  hoe."     He  was 
considered  by  his  countrymen  and  otiiers  who  enjoyed  his  ac- 
quaintance, as  a  youth  of  uncommon  promise.     Mr.  Gear  be- 
came very  much  attacliod  to  his  new  friend.     In  a  conver- 
sation. La  Fort  signified  his  wishes  to  be  educated,  that  he 
might  be  useful  to  his  people.     Ilis  wishes  were  communi- 
cated to  Bishop  Ilobart  by  Mr.  Gear,     lie  had  all  along  been 
instructed  in  the  truths  of  Christianity,  by  Mr.  Elcazar  Wil- 
liams, then  lay  reader  and  catechist  at  Oneida,  aided  by  that 
devoted  Christian,  Abraham  Brant,  an  aged   Mohawk  who 
had  settled  at  Oneida,  and  who  was  wholly  devoted  to  the 
service  of  God.     The  rudiments  of  an  intellectual  education 
had  also  been  taught  him  by  Mr.  Williams.     It  was  on  the 
visit  of  Bishop  Ilobart  to  western  New- York,  in  the  autumn 
of  1817,  that  he  for  the  first  time  Avas  introduced  to  the  younf^ 
chief.     From  a  full  and  unreserved  conversation,  the  bishop 
felt  assured,  that  the  education  of  this  young  native,  would 
be  of  vast  importance  to  his  countrymen.     Mr.  Williams  also 
became  very  much  interested  in  the  future  prospects  and  wel- 
fare of  La  Fort ;  and  in  his  journal,  under  date  of  Dec.  1818, 
says:  "As  my  great  anxiety  has  been  to  assist  my  young 
friend  Abram  La  Fort,  the  Onondaga  chief,  in  regard  to  his 
education,  so  I  addressed  my  diocesan  upon  the  subject,  who 
answered  as  follows:" 

"  New  York,  January  8th,  1819. 

"  My  Dear  Sir  :  I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  29th 

December,  and  will  write  you  relative  to  its  contents,  and 

furnish  you  with  the  document  you  requested  by  Mr.  Thomas 

L.  Ogden,  who  expects  to  leave  here  for  Albany,  by  Friday. 

In  haste,  yours  sincerely, 

J.    II.    IIOBART." 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  document  referred  to  : 
"  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  a  young  man  of  Indian  extraction, 
has  been  admitted  as  a  candidate  for  orders  in  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  and  is  usefully  employed  as  a  catechist  and 
lay  reader  among  the  Oneida  Indians.  Mr.  Williams  is  en- 
gaged in  the  laudable  design  of  procuring  funds,  for  tlie  edu- 


..  C    ! 


m  sfflj 


CHIEFS. 


117 


e."     He  was 

I  joyed  his  ac- 
Mr.  Gear  be- 
In  ii  conver- 
ated,  that  he 
ii'c  communi- 
l11  along  been 
Elcazar  Wil- 
aided  by  tliat 
^lohawk  who 
voted  to  the 
iial  education 
t  was  on  the 

the  autumn 
to  the  young 
n,  the  bishop 
lative,  "wouhl 
iVilliams  also 
ects  and  wel- 
.f  Dec.  1818, 
it  my  young 
ogard  to  liis 
subject,  who 

Rth,  1819. 
of  the  21)tli 
ontcnts,  and 
Mr.  Thomas 
•,  by  Friday. 

IIOBART." 

referred  to : 

II  extraction, 
e  Protestant 
jatechist  and 
Hams  is  en- 
for  the  edu- 


cation of  a  young  Indian  of  piety  and  talents,  who  is  desirous 
of  devoting  himself  to  the  ministry  of  the  church. 

"  I  recommend  this  pious  and  benevolent  design,  to  the  pa- 
tronage of  the  friends  of  religion,  and  particularly  to  those 
who  are  desirous  of  extending  the  blessings  of  civilization  and 
Christian  knoAvledge  among  the  Indian  tribes." 

With  this  testimonial  of  the  bishop's  approbation,  Mr.  Wil- 
Uams,  in  company  with  La  Fort,  visited  Boston,  where  they 
found  but  few  individuals  who  were  willing  to  aid  them  in  their 
laudable  undertaking. 

Major  General  Dearborn,  however,  made  a  very  handsome 
donation,  and  some  others  gave  according  to  their  ability ; 
among  whom  are  favorably  mentioned,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirk- 
land,  president  of  Harvard  University,  Gardner  Green, 
Thomas  Williams,  Esqrs.,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Porter,  of  Roxbury. 

Mr.  Williams  and  his  protege  afterwards  went  to  New- 
York,  Avhere,  under  the  immediate  influence  of  Bishop  llobart, 
they  were  more  successful.  Among  his  friends,  was  raised  a 
fund  of  about  $1400,  for  the  benefits  proposed.  The  youth- 
ful chief,  was  noAV  placed  under  the  guardian  care  of  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Fuller,  of  Rensselaerville,  in  whose  family  he  remained 
from  March,  1819,  to  August,  1823,  spending  the  winter 
(some  eight  months)  of  1822-3  with  a  son  of  Mr.  Fuller, 
wlio  was  then  principal  of  Hudson  academy. 

In  1819  Bishop  llobart  thus  speaks  of  him  in  his  annual 
address  :  "  The  young  Onondaga  chief,  whom  I  mentioned  in 
my  last  address,  as  desirous  of  procuring  an  education,  for 
the  purpose  of  qualifying  him  as  the  spiritual  instructor  of 
his  countrymen,  will  be  able  through  the  bounty  of  Episcopa- 
lians and  others,  principally  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and 
through  the  aid  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  to 
attain  his  object.  He  is  advantageously  receiving  an  educa- 
tion under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  of  Rensselaer- 
ville." During  the  whole  period  of  his  stay  with  Mr.  Fuller, 
his  conduct  was  in  all  respects  most  exemplary,  his  habits  pi- 
ous, and  liis  diligence  and  proficiency  in  learning  were  satis- 
factory and  encouraging  to  his  teachers,  considering  his  ad- 


•-■'V'tH 


■v4 


■i 

1 

I 

H 

1 

^^1^1 

^n 

^^^^1 

^H 

^^^^^^^H 

^hI 

^^^^^^^H 

^^M 

^IHII 

Wm 

HHH 

I^M 

WWi 

1 

ml 

WtVmm. 

f^m 

I1 


118 


ONONDAGA 


WW 


ll"'  1 

'II    1  !  I 


u  i 


vanced  age  and  the  embarrassments  he  labored  under  in  being 
educated  in  a  new  hinguage. 

After  Geneva  Academy  was  established,  he  was  transferred 
to  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Daniel  McDonald,  D.  D.,  Principal 
of  that  institution  in  1823.  Here  he  remained  nearly  three 
years,  until  the  fund  for  his  education  and  support  had  been 
expended. 

Soon  after  this  he  returned  to  his  nation,  perhaps  not  as 
well  qualified  for  missionary  labors  among  his  brethren,  in 
point  of  classical  attainments,  as  might  by  many  have  been 
supposed,  considering  the  time  he  was  under  instruction.  But 
great  allowances  should  be  made  in  his  behalf;  he  had  new 
associations  to  form,  a  new  language  to  learn,  new  ideas  and 
new  impressions  to  receive.  He  was  in  fact  an  infant  in  all 
things  except  physical  proportions  and  strength. 

After  his  return  to  his  people,  he  opened  a  school,  which 
was  continued  about  three  years.  He  was  paid  eight  dollars 
a  month  for  his  services,  by  a  Quaker,  who  resided  among  the 
Onondagas  with  his  family.  The  efforts  of  this  Quaker  fami- 
ly were  unremitting,  for  a  period  of  eight  years,  during  whicli 
time  several  Indian  girls  were  instructed  in  household  duties, 
the  benefits  of  which  we  see,  even  at  this  late  day,  exemplifi- 
ed in  some  of  their  habitations.  The  most  strenuous  exer- 
tions were  used  by  this  family  to  bring  about  a  reformation  in 
the  morals  and  habits  of  the  nation,  and  to  hasten  a  knowl- 
edge of  civilization  and  Christianity.  Altliough  ineffectual  in 
their  efforts,  traces  of  their  labors  still  remain,  and  the  servi- 
ces of  Adin  T.  Corey  and  family,  will  be  long  and  affection- 
ately remembered. 

La  Fort  was,  at  this  time,  undoubtedly  sincere  in  his  pro- 
fessions of  faith  in  the  gospel,  and  in  the  doctrines  and  wor- 
ship of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  lie  made  it  a  du- 
ty to  attend  punctually  the  services  of  the  Church  at  Onon- 
daga Hill ;  always  looked  comely  and  well  dressed  ;  liad  a 
full  share  of  self-respect ;  was  exceedingly  gentlemanly  in  his 
deportment,  and  it  has  been  remarked  by  numbers,  that  but 
few  young  men  spoke  the  English  language  Avith  so  much  nu- 


CHIEFS. 


110 


rity,  grace  and  ease,  as  did  Abram  La  Fort,  at  the  time  he 
left  Geneva ;  -which  may  be  attributed  solely  to  the  fact,  that 
he  never  had  but  little  if  any  intercourse  after  he  left  home, 
during  all  his  sojourn  witli  the  whites,  only  with  the  highly 
educated,  the  virtuous  and  the  good.  In  addition  to  the  fore- 
going, lie  led  a  devoted,  exemplary,  and  Christian  life ;  had 
been  baptized,  confirmed  and  admitted  to  the  holy  commu- 
nion, and  in  all  respects  lived  and  adorned  his  Christian  pro- 
fession. 

At  this  period  strong  hopes  were  entertained  of  his  future 
usefulness  among  his  own  people.  lie  was  married  in  the 
Church  on  Onondaga  Hill  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ilinton,  in  Au- 
gust, 1828,  to  an  Indian  woman.  For  a  time  he  continued 
faithful  to  the  trust  reposed  in  him ;  l)ut  in  the  course  of 
events  his  faith  grew  cold,  his  wife,  who  was  a  complete  and 
perfect  specimen  of  a  Pagan — scKi.sli,  obstinate,  opposed  to 
Christianity  and  all  innovations  upon  Indian  practices,  was  a 
primary  cause  of  alienation  of  feeling.  Add  to  this  his  love 
of  power  among  his  people,  wliicli  could  not  be  attained  while 
he  remained  a  Christian,  and  his  solitary  and  single-handed 
efforts  to  Christianize  a  subtle  and  savage  nation,  and  we  have 
the  whole  cause  which  by  degrees  disheartened,  discouraged, 
and  finally  sunk  him  to  his  original  state  of  barbarism  and 
heathen  degradation.  It  is  to  be  deplored,  that  so  favorable 
an  opportunity  of  permanently  introducing  the  gospel  among 
this  people,  should  have  been  suffered  to  pass  without  profit. 
La  Fort  should  never  have  been  allowed,  single-handed  and 
alone,  to  combat  the  prejudices,  ignorances  and  influences  of 
his  grossly  superstitious  countrymen.  Had  a  missionary  fami- 
ly accompanied  him  to  his  home,  and  given  him  counsel  and 
encouragement,  no  t!  ubt  at  this  day  might  be  seen  a  flourish- 
ing mission  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  at  Onondaga ; 
and  La  Fort  Avould  have  been  preserved,  a  blessing  to  himself, 
his  family,  his  kindred  and  his  people.  For  several  years  be- 
fore his  death,  he  had  repudiated  Christianity,  and  had  been 
considered  the  head  of  the  Pagan  party.  He  was  openly  and 
even  violently  opposed,  in  latter  years,  to  the  admission  of 


! !   ■   ri." 


120 


ONONDAGA. 


'!     H 


ministers  of  tlie  gospel  among  his  people,  and  opposed  the  in- 
troduction of  schools,  except  as  a  matter  of  policy.     The  fol- 
lowing  may  be  an  instance  in  point :  At  a  great  National 
Council,  held  at  the  Ca&tle  in  1841,  the  subject  of  admitting 
missionaries  and  school  teachers,  was  seriously  discussed.  The 
old  Pagan  chiefs  were,  to  a  man,  opposed  to  the  plan  ;  debate 
ran  high,  and  finally  the  subject  was  referred  to  La  Fort.     Af- 
ter some  preliminary  remarks,  ho  said—"  It  is  best  to  let  all 
those  become  Christians  who  will,  and  let  all  those  who  choose, 
remain  Pagans.     Because  if  we  do  not,  the  Christian  party 
will  make  great  ado.     The  white  people  will  sympathize  with 
them,— they  will  become  strong— they  will  have  good  sing- 
ing—they will  go  to  the  white  people  and  get  good  victuals, 
and  all  our  people  will  join  them,  and  our  Indian  institutions 
will  all  be  absorbed,  they  will  wither  away  and  die.     Let  all 
go  as  they  will,  we  shall  then  stund  a  chance  to  be  the  most 
numerous,  and  our  party  will  finally  succeed." 

Latterly,  his  influence  has  been  strongly  exerted  in  keeping 
many  of  the  children  of  Christian  pa-ents  from  the  school" 
.  .tablished  among  them  by  the  State,  and  most  of  the  Pagans. 
He  was  foremost  in  all  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Pagan 
festivals  and  sacrifices.  He  was  a  man  of  great  influence,  and 
extensively  known  and  respected  among  all  the  Six  Nations. 
And  it  is  said  he  was  the  only  man,  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
who  Avas  every  way  capable  of  carrying  on  a  great  council  of 
the  United  Nations,  in  its  pure  and  primitive  form. 

Although  naturally  distrustful  of  the  whites,  ho  often  in  the 
most  unreserved  manner  communicated  with  those  he  thought 
worthy  of  his  confidence.  Only  ten  days  before  his  death, 
and  while  in  the  full  tide  of  life  and  health,  arrangements 
had  been  made  to  secure  a  likeness  of  him  by  a  competent 
artist,  for  the  purpose  of  having  an  engraved  copy  made  to 
accompany  this  work  as  a  frontispiece.  The  day  was  set  that 
we  were  to  meet  and  commence  the  work.  Three  d..ys  after 
the  appointment  was  made,  he  was  taken  sick,  and  on  the  day 
he  was  first  to  sit  for  his  picture,  Abram  La  Fort  expired. 
He  was  sick  but  eight  days.     It  was  the  fortune  of  the  author 


CHIEFS. 


121 


to  visit  him  during  lis  sickness,  the  Monday  previous  to  hia 
death.  He  then  seemed  very  much  in  doubt  whether  he  should 
recover,  and  wlien  questioned  in  regard  to  his  future  state  and 
his  belief  in  his  former  teachings  and  profession,  he  replied, 
the  white  man's  God  has  been  very  good  to  me,  and  sighed, 
but  would  answer  no  more. 

His  last  public  act,  was  to  escort  a  largo  delegation  of  the 
chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Onondaga  nation,  as  far  as  the  city 
of  Syracuse,  on  their  way  to  a  grand  council,  to  be  held  at 
Tonawanda.  He  felt  too  ill  to  go  on  with  them — charged 
them  how  to  proceed,  and  bade  them  adieu,  as  it  proved  for- 
ever. He  died  on  the  morning  of  Thursday,  the  5th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1848,  of  congestive  fever,  aged  fifty-four  years. 

AV^ithin  a  few  hours  after  his  deatli,  the  news  had  reached 
the  city  of  Syracuse,  and  was  every  where  received  with  sur- 
prise and  sorrow.  Every  one  was  disposed  to  sympathize  in 
this  (to  the  Indians)  great  national  bereavement. 

Immediately  after  his  death,  a  runner  was  dispatched  to  • 
Buffalo,  to  notify  his  friends  at  the  council,  of  their  irrepara- 
ble loss.  These  returned  on  the  Saturday  following,  and  on 
Sunday  at  tAvelve  o'clock,  the  corpse  was  carried  on  a  bier  to 
the  council-house  and  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  in 
wliicli  he  had  so  often  addressed  the  few  remaining  sons  of 
the  forest,  Avho  had  now  assembled  to  pay  their  last  tribute  of 
respect,  to  the  remains  of  their  chief. 

The  ceremonies  for  the  occasion  of  the  burial,  were  com- 
menced by  Harry  Webster,  the  highest  religious  ofiicer  of  the 
Pagan  party,  by  a  speech  in  his  native  tongue.  The  speaker 
closed  his  remarks,  passed  a  belt  of  wampum,  representing 
the  laAvs  of  the  nation,  to  an  individual  named  John  Halfr 
Town,  who  was  to  act  as  head  chipf  until  the  next  annual 
council,  should  be  convened. 

This  same  belt  once  held  by  Kawhicdota,  Oundiaga,  Ossa- 
hinta  and  Dehatkatons,  successively,  is  the  unwritten  code, 
which  he  was  to  administer.  The  corpse  was  appareled  in 
the  full  costume  of  a  warrior  prepared  for  battle.  He  had 
in  latter  years,  delighted    in    administering  the  laws,  and 

16 


fe«j-.A.j.' 


122 


O  N  O  N  I)  A  G  A . 


1^'' 
P 


\\<K 


I 


I 

I 


'I' 


honoring  the  customs  of  his  forefathers  as  observed  in  olden 
time.  At  tiioir  feasts  and  sacrifices,  ho  'vas  })lumcd  and 
adorned  as  were  tlio  great  chiefs  in  tlio  palmy  days  of  their 
power.  As  he  appeare<l  on  those  occasions,  so  was  his  corpse 
ha])itcd  for  its  entrance  upon  the  journey  to  the  land  of  the 
Great  Spirit.  He  was  placed  in  an  elegant  coffin,  upon  whicii 
was  a  massive  sdver  plate,  on  which  was  engraved,  ''  Abram 
La  Fort,  lload  Chief  of  the  Onondagas,  aged  fA  years."  The 
coffin  was  carried  to  the  grave,  and  placed  in  the  ground  with 
the  head  in  the  direction  of  the  setthig  sun. 

The  shrieks  of  the  mourners,  and  the  rude  simplicity  of  the 
scene,  as  the  eartli  rattled  upon  the  coilin,  uniting  earth  to 
earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,  AViis  deej)ly  aifecting,  and 
especially  r-o  as  tlie  sister  and  bereaved  wife  followed  by 
other  fcmtvle  relatives  in  single  file,  retraced  their  steps  to  the 
house  made  more  than  desolate,  by  the  recent  death  of  two 
children  and  a  father.  A  few  days  before,  and  he  wielded 
his  sceptre  over  a  fallen  people,  in  the  fulness  and  pride  of 
power,  aiul  now,  there  lies  he  low  in  the  open  common,  the  re- 
mains of  the  hist  great  chief  of  the  Onondagas.  No  enclo- 
sure circumscribes  his  resting  place,  and  there,  according  to 
the  red  man's  faith,  his  spirit  takes  its  departure  to  the  ely- 
siura  of  the  braves,  who  by  their  noble  deeds  have  merited  the 
favor  of  the  Great  Spirit,  and  there  to  enjoy  his  smiles  and 
eternal  presence. 

At  this  time  there  is  not  an  individual  among  the  Onon- 
dagas who  can  make  good  the  loss  occasioned  by  his  death. 
And  judging  from  appearances,  the  time  cannot  be  far  distant, 
when  this  feeble  remnant  of  a  once  powerful  nation,  will  totally 
"disappear.  They  are  like  the  last  leaves  of  autumn,  withered, 
dried,  decaying  and  scattered  on  the  wings  of  the  wind: 
spring  finds  them  not. 

The  pen  of  history  may  hereafter  record  the  fact,  that  De- 
hatkatons — Abram  La  Fort — was  the  last  of  a  long  line  of  dis- 
tinguished chiefs,  Avho  have  been  eminent  among  their  coun- 
trymen, for  their  talents,  their  dcvotedness  to  their  own  pe- 


CHIEFS. 


128 


culiar  institutions,  and  their  opposition  to  civilization  and 
Christianity. 

Since  tlio  foregoing  was  written,  and  while  those  pages 
were  in  the  hands  of  the  printer,  the  author  has  received  the 
following  communication  from  the  old  friend  and  teacher  of 
La  Fort,  the  Rev.  Eleazar  Williams. 

"  It  so  happened  that  Ave  met  only  three  weeks  previous  to 
his  death,  when  we  promised  to  meet  again  at  Buffalo,  on  my 
return  to  the  west.  On  my  arrival  at  Buffalo,  instead  of 
meeting  my  friend  as  anticipated,  I  received  the  distressing 
message  from  him,  that  he  was  in  a  most  dangerous  situation, 
or  rather  at  the  point  of  death  ;  winliing  mo  to  repair  to  him 
immediately,  to  prepare  him  for  his  great  change  and  hurial. 
I  left  Buffalo  by  the  first  train  of  cars  for  Syracuse,  to  com- 
fort my  dying  friend,  to  prepare  hiin  fur  his  exit,  by  the 
prayers  of  the  cliurch,  and  to  attend  his  funeral.  JJut  alas ! 
I  was  too  late.  The  body  of  my  I'riend  and  pupil  had  already 
been  consigned  to  the  tomb.  La  Fort  requested  one  of  his 
attendants,  tliat  if  I  did  not  arrive  bcforj  his  death,  to  say  to 
me  that  he  had  died  in  the  belief  of  the  Christian  religion,  as 
I  had  taught  him.  Tliat  he  believed  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  as  his  Saviour,  and  hoped  to  meet  mo  in  a  better  world. 
With  these  comforting  words,  I  left  Onondaga  Hollow,  and 
with  a  heavy  heart  turned  my  lace  once  more  to  the  west." 

The  ancient  CouNcrL-FiiiE  of  the  Confederate  Nations, 
from  time  immemorial,  had  always  been  kei)t  alive  at  Onon- 
daga, the  central  nation  of  the  confederacy.  After  their  al- 
liance v.  ith  the  English  in  ItJCiG,  the  fires  of  the  United  Coun- 
cils of  the  two  powers  were  kindled  at  Albany,  and  there,  ac- 
cording to  the  figurative  manner  of  Indian  expression,  Avas 
planted  the  great  tree,  to  which  was  fastened  the  eliain  of 
friendship.  With  the  close  of  tlic  groat  council  of  ITTo,  that 
fire,  which  had  so  long  kept  burning,  was  extinguisliod.  It 
was  the  last  Indian  council  held  at  the  ancient  Dutcli  Capital. 
The  great  Council-Fire  of  the  Six  Nations  was  still  kept  alive 
at  Onondaga  till  after  the  close  of  the  I'evolutionary  Avar,  at 
Avliich  time  a  portion  of  the  Onomlngas  took  up  their  abode 


PI 


JM 


124 


O  N  O  N  D  A  { J  A . 


i. 


■  i 


on  tho  BufTiilo  Creek  Resorvatinn,  iindor  the  protootion  of  the 
SenecaH,  und  thero  was  established  tho  Coiiiieil-Fire  of  the 
Six  Nations.  Tho  Council- Kiro  was  kept  by  L't-ha-wah,  (dipt, 
Cold,)  un  Ononda^M,  and  tho  Senccas  appropriated  a  mile 
square  of  land  on  their  reservation,  as  a  mark  of  distinction 
to  tho  chief  who  kept  it.  Efforts  have  often  been  made  by 
the  On()nd!i<;^as  at  home,  to  have  the  council-fire  restored  to 
its  ancient  hearth,  but  always  without  success  until  tho  fall  of 
1847.  The  Ononda;:;as  and  Senecas  on  tho  Buffalo  Reserva- 
tion, seoin«,'  that  their  lands  were  like  to  pass  from  thoui,  and 
thereby  their  removal  become  inevitable,  after  the  death  of 
Capt.  Cold,  resolved  to  restore  the  sacred  deposit  to  its  an- 
cient site. 

We  would  here  remind  the  reader  that  what  is  termed  the 
council-fire,  is  not,  as  is  by  miiny  supposed,  an  actual  fire, 
kept  constantly  burning,  but  tho  i)laco  where  their  national 
records  are  kept,  and  belts,  the  memorials  of  treaties,  depo- 
sited and  prosewed,  and  as  such,  tho  term  is  only  used  in  a 
figurative  sense.  It  is  the  place  where  all  the  national  coun- 
cils assemble,  and  whore  is  retained  tho  spirit  and  essence  of 
their  ceremonies  and  institutions.  Important  Indian  councils 
are  often  held  without  actual  fire. 

Dehatkatons  was  at  this  time  chosen  keeper  of  the  council- 
fire  of  the  Six  Nations.  These  archives  consist  of  various 
bolts  of  wampum,  some  twonty-fivo  or  thirty  in  number,  wliioh 
the  author  has  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing,  (a  sight  rarely 
allowed  a  white  nuin,)  with  explanations  from  the  keeper. 
Here  is  shown  a  belt,  sixteen  inches  broad,  by  four  feet  long, 
representing  the  first  union  and  league  of  the  Five  Nations, 
and  is  called  tho  "cahpet,"  foundation  or  platform,  or  as  we 
may  better  understand  it,  tho  constitution ;  literally,  some- 
thing to  stand  upon. 

The  several  nations,  are  distinguished  by  particular  squares. 
and  these  are  joined  together  by  a  lino  of  white  Avampum 
and  united  to  a  heart  in  the  centre,  implying  the  union  of 
hand  and  heart  as  one.  In  connection  with  this,  is  a  second 
belt  having  the  figures  of  several  chiefs  wrought  in  the  warn- 


CIIIKFH 


125 


)tootion  of  the 
il-Firc  of  the 
la-wiili,  (dipt, 
riatc'd  a  mile 
of  (list i notion 
)CC'U  niado  by 
e  restored  to 
itil  the  fall  of 
IViilo  Roscrva- 
Diii  tlieiii,  anil 
tlu;  death  of 
osit  to  its  an- 

3  termed  the 
II  actual  fire, 
heir  national 
reaticH,  dcpo- 
nly  used  in  a 
ational  conn- 
id  essence  of 
idian  councils 

r  the  council- 
st  of  various 
unibor,  which 
.  sifjjht  rarely 
the  keeper. 
>ur  feet  long, 
-^ive  Nations, 
arm,  or  as  we 
erally,  some- 

;ular  squares, 
lite  Avampum 
;he  union  of 
!,  is  a  second 
in  the  wam- 


pum, all  holdintr  hands  in  a  circle,  which  i.s  to  represent,  that 
there  .shall  be  no  end  to  this  lea/j;ue. 

On  one  belt  is  n<,'urcd  the  Long  House,  the  Great  Cabin, 
which  no  now  nation  can  enter  until  it  has  erected  aoino  little 
cabins  around  it ;   that  i.s,  the  nation  must  perform  some 
deeds  worthy  of  note,  before  it  can  be  entitled  to  admission 
to  the  great  league  of  confederation.     Around  this,  are  five 
smaller  cal)ins,  emblems  of  the  original  Five  Nations,  before 
the  league  was  formed,  and  on  one  side  is  a  still  smaller  one, 
wrought  since  the  first,  representing  the  Tu.scarora  nation, 
which  was  admitted  at  a  8ubse(iuent  period.     Another  long 
narrow  belt,  having  a  cross  at  one  end  and  a  long  house  at  the 
olher,  a  narrow  white  .stripe  connecting  the  long  house  and  a 
large  cross,  was  explained  as  follows:     "  arcat  many  years 
ago,"  a  company  from  Canada  presented  this  belt,  desiring 
that  missionaries,  from  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  might  bo 
settled  among  the  Five  Nations,  and  erect  a  church,  at  Onon- 
daga,  and  that  the  road  should  be  cortinually  kept  open  and 
free  between  them.     All  tlie  other  belts  were  explained  with 
particular  minuteness. 

The  bag  which  contains  these  relics  is  of  itself  a  singular 
curiosity.  It  is  made  of  the  finest  shreds  of  Elm  bark,  and 
a  person  without  being  apprised,  mi<rht  easily  mistake  it  for 
the  softest  11a x.  Its  capacity  would  exceed  a  bu.shel.  This 
liag  is  reputed  to  be  as  old  as  the  league  itself,  and  certainly 
hears  the  marks  of  great  antiquity. 

The  tubes  or  beads  of  wampum  are  of  red,  dark  blue,  pale 
hlue,  black  and  white  colors,  made  of  conch  shell.  They  are 
about  five-eighths  of  an  inch  long,  about  as  large  as  a  small 
pipe  stem,  and  hollow,  strung,  woven  and  Avrought  with  sinews 
of  deer,  and  bark. 

The  wliolc,  to  say  the  least,  is  a  great  curiosity,  and  has 
undoubtedly  been  handed  down  from  a  remote  period.  It  is 
held  as  a  sacred  treasure,  preserved  with  great  care,  and 
looked  upon  with  peculiar  reverence. 


ONONDAGA. 


CHAPTER   VI. 


FRENCH  MISSIONS. 


Introduction  of  French  Roman  Catholic  Missionaries  to  Onondaga — Father 
Simon  Le  Moyne's  Joiunal  of  a  Visit  to  Onondaga,  1653— Jesuit  Rela- 
tion l(;r)5-C — Voyage  ok  Joseph  Ciiaimo.ndt  and  Ci.aihe  Dablon  to  O.no.v 

DAGA,  AND  TIIEIU  RetUKN  TO  QUEBEC RELATION,  1 656-7— PUBLICATION  OF  TUl; 

Faith  to  the  Onondagas,  by  Father  Paul  Rauueneau— Charlevoix  Ac- 
count OF  THE  Same— Reception  of  Le  Moyne  with  the  Onondagas— Rela- 
tions FROM  1659  TO  1067— De  Witt  Clinton's  Account  of  a  Colony  near 
Jamesville,  1666 — Relations  from  1668  to  1709. 

In  entering  upon  an  investigation  of  the  antiquarian  re- 
mains every  where  apparent  in  the  vicinity  of  Onondaga,  we 
find  a  foundation  more  permanent  upon  which  to  build,  mate- 
rials more  tangible,  with  which  to  erect  a  superstructure,  than 
can  be  found  in  the  faded  traditions  of  Indian  history.  We 
have  the  most  conclusive  testimony  that  the  vestiges  of  Eu-- 
ropean  art,  the  traces  of  civilization  and  the  evidences  of 
military  occupancy  by  a  scientific  people,  so  widely  scat- 
tered throughout  the  country,  are  but  the  ruins  of  erections 
made  by  missionaries,  traders  and  military  commanders  of 
France,  Holland  and  England.  And  the  most  ancient,  (except 
perhaps  the  Pompey  monumental  stone,)  can  scarcely  be  traced 
further  back,  than  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth  century. 
The  Dutch  settled  at  New- York,  in  1609,  and  the  French  at 
Quebec  and  Montreal,  a  little  earlier ;  but  it  cannot  be  sup- 
posed that  these  nations  entered  immediately  into  the  busi- 
ness of  sending  traders  among  the  Five  Nations,  or  primarily 
adopted  the  measure  of  Christianizing  them.  However,  at  an 
early  day,  these  matters  became  subjects  of  serious  conside- 


MISSIONS, 


127 


ration,  and  the  Christianizing  of  the  Five  Nations,  and  their  civi- 
hzation  too,  was  a  subject  Avhicli  almost  entirely  engrossed  the 
minds  of  the  French  Jesuits,  and  subsequently  the  Dutch  and 
English  missionaries.     The  trade  and  good  will  of  this  powerful 
confederacy,  was  sought  with  great  avidity,  and  Onondaga  being 
the  central  nation,  the  seat  of  their  government  and  power 
the  main  operations  were  centred  here.     The  Dutch   during 
the  days  of  their  ascendancy  and  power  in  New-Yo4   were 
successful  111  securing  the  favor  and  trade  of  these  nations 
And  such  was  their  progress,  that  the  French  made  no  posi- 
tively favorable  efforts  to  gain  a  permanent  foothold,  till  the 
^lynasty  of  the  Dutch  was  superceded  by  the  English      After 
this  event,  the  French  Mere  more  successful  in" their  enter- 
prises     Their  missionaries  were  pushed  into  the  heart  of  the 
Onoiulaga  country.     The  details  of  their  Inbors  and  opera- 
tions, give  them  the  air  nnd  consequence  of  history,  and  that 
too  of  the  utmost  import..ucc.     Most  of  these  missionaries 
v,erc  men  of  education,  and  |,reservrd  the  record  of  their 
.lomjrs,  and  their  Eolations,  so  far  as  they  throw  light  upon 
our  liistory,  are  wortliy  of  credit. 

In  tiieyear  1028,  Il'enry  de  Levi,  Ducde  Ventadour,  sought 
.'.n.    obtained  the  title  of  viceroy  of  New  France.     This  lord 
had  retired  from  court  and  had  received  sacre.l  orders      It 
was  not  to  enter  into  the  tumult  of  the  Avorld,  that  he  took 
charge  o|  the  afiairs  of  x\ew  France,  but  to  establish  a  new 
mission  m  the  wilderness,  and  to  procure  the  conversion  of 
the  savage  inhabitants.     As  this  Jesuit  was  the  director  of 
his  own  conscience,  possessing  a  bold  and  fearless  spirit   he 
cast  his  eyes  towar,ls  the  western  world,  as  a  theatre  suitable 
01-  the  execution  of  his  magnificent  project.     He  proposed 
his  great  scheme  to  the  French  king,  and  laid  his  plans  and  ex- 
plained them  before  his  majesty  and  his  council,  who  were  de- 
ghted,  that  an  enterprise  so  daring,  and  promising  the  most 
appy  results,  should  thus  be  proposed.     His  majesty  acce- 
dod  to  the  p  an  the  more  willingly,  as  the  Order  of  the  Recol- 
le_.s,_who  had  on  most  occasions,  been  the  pioneers  in  all  new 
missions,  so  far  from  opposing  the  scheme,  had  themselves 


■I" 

f 


iin 


tl'%  'M 


LlJl 


128 


ONONDAGA, 


ih  a 


made  the  first  proposal  to  the  Due  de  Ventadour.  Thus  all 
things  being  harmoniously  arranged,  Father  Charles  Lalle- 
mant,  the  same  who  had  accompanied  Mons.  de  la  Saussaye 
a  Pentagort,  the  Father  Eremond  Masse  and  Father  Jean  de 
Brebeuf,  who  had  been  selected  to  conduct  the  Canadian  mis- 
sion, with  two  brothers  of  the  Order  of  Jesuits,  made  ready  to 
depart.  These  first  and  devoted  heralds  of  the  cross  were 
ready  to  sail  early  in  the  year  1625. 

It  was  in  this  year  that  Jesuit  missionaries  first  arrived  in 
Canada,  prepared  to  announce  the  gospel  to  the  heathen. 
Previously,  none  had  had  intercourse  with  the  aborigines  of 
our  land,  except  in  the  character  of  traders,  using  every  means 
to  overreach  and  swindle  them,  or  in  the  more  stern  garb  of 
military  adventurers,  prepared  to  oppress  them.  These  sons 
of  the  forest,  now  for  the  first  time  saw  men  entering  their 
villages,  whose  words  breathed  peace  and  love  ;  whose  business 
was  only  to  suffer,  and  to  teach  humility ;  whose  sword  was 
the  cross,  and  whose  garb  was  soberness,  good  will  and  charity. 

The  privations  of  the  wilderness,  and  rigors  of  the  cliraate, 
were  borne  with  foi-titude  ;  native  languages  were  to  be  mas- 
tered ;  the  dispositions  and  customs  of  a  strange  people  were 
to  be  studied  and  conformed  to  ;  and  difliculties  to  be  en- 
countered, sufficient  to  appal  the  stoutest  heart.  Yet  these  tie- 
voted  men  and  their  successors,  entered  upon  tlieir  labors  with 
a  zeal  that  knew  no  limit,  and  a  devotedness  that  surmounted 
every  severity  to  which  they  were  exposed.  They  were  suc- 
cessful in  winning  these  strange  men  to  their  stranger  doc- 
trines and  faith ;  and  their  object  was  in  a  measure  accom- 
plished, of  winning  these  wild  inhabitants  from  tiieir  wandering 
Avays,  and  drawing  them  unconsciously  into  the  practices  of 
civilized  life.  The  establishment  of  missions  among  the  na- 
tives naturally  led  to  the  exploration  of  the  country.  And 
thus  these  pioneers  of  the  cross  became  the  first  discovereis 
and  historians  of  the  whole  interior  of  North  America.  They 
widely  extended  geographical  knowledge,  and  did  not  overlook 
the  importance  of  providing  the  means  of  education  for  the 
youth  of  the  land.     So  important  have  their  relations  become, 


MISSIONS. 


129 


that  they  may  well  be  termed  "  an  elaborate  history  of  the 
country."  In  proportion  to  their  high  value,  is  at  the  same 
time  their  great  scarcity. 

Those  more  intimately  relating  to  our  early  history,  are 
those  of  Father  Francis  Joseph  le  Mercier,  Father  J.  Claude 
Dablon,  Father  Cholonec,  Father  Le  Moyne,  Father  Jean 
Quien,  Father  Paul  Le  Jeune,  Father  Paul  Ragueneau  and 
Father  Jerome  Lallemant.  As  the  history  of  these  missions 
is  somewhat  interesting,  occupying  a  period  of  near  one  hun- 
dred years,  and  of  which,  comparatively  little  has  been  pub- 
lisiied,  and  consequently  little  is  known,  it  is  deemed  of  suf- 
ficient importance,  to  insert  it  somewhat  at  large. 

At  first,  these  missionaries  were  received  with  doubt  and 
even  suspicion,  for  the  natives  could  not  easily  comprehend, 
how  men  could  thus  devote  themselves  entirely  to  their  wel- 
fare without  a  prospect  of  favors  in  return. 

We  find  but  slight  traces  of  these  laborers  in  the  country 
of  the  L'oquois,  till  the  years  following  1G50.  In  1642, 
Martyr  Rone  Goupil  was  killed  by  the  stroke  of  an  axe  in  the 
hand  of  his  master,  whom  he  only  knew  in  the  moment  of 
death.  It  Avas  occasioned  by  his  making  the  sign  of  the  cross 
upon  a  child,  which  they  all  supposed  Avould  produce  the  death 
of  the  whole  village  by  his  sorceries.  Father  logues  interfer- 
ed to  save  him  to  no  purpose,  although  he  offered  to  die  in  his 
stead,  or  with  him. 

Father  Jerome  Lallemant,  Relation  of  1045,  '6,  speaking 
of  the  different  nations  of  the  Iroquois,  remarks,  that  the 
Mohawks  are  the  most  populous,  and  at  the  same  time  more 
revenscful  and  warlike  than  all  the  rest,  and  have  far  less 
disposition  to  embrace  the  faith. 

The  Onondagas  have  a  beautiful  lake,  in  tlie  environs  of 
which  are  several  salt  fountains  which  afford  excellent  salt.* 

Oneida,  between  Mohawk  and  Onondaga,  is  not  inferior  to 


S'Sf 


*"Celui  il'  Ouontague,  a  iiii  fort  beau  Lac  appello  Gaiineiitaha,  aiix  environs 
duqiiel  il  y'  a  plusiours  tbntaiiies  salt^es  et  dont  les  bords,  soiit  toiijours  couverU 
d'  1111  tres  boiui  sel." 

17 


130 


ONONDAGA. 


'i 


U     Jf!        '    I 


'       if 


either  m  any  point.  But  the  cantons  of  Cayuga  and  Seneca 
surpass  them  all  by  the  excellence  of  the  soil,  the  beauty  of 
the  country,  and  mildness  of  the  climate.  The  inhabitants 
being  influenced  by  these  superinducements,  have  always  shown 
themselves  the  most  tractable  of  all  the  Iroquois. 

Father  Isaac  logues  Avas  the  first  missionary  of  whom  Ave 
have  any  knowledge  as  having  visited  Onondaga,  which  he  did 
m  1642.  He  was  a  Roman  Catholic— a  Jesuit.  His  "Itv 
lation"  or  Journal  has  not  come  within  our  reach. 

In  May,  1646,  he  was  commissioned  as  an  envoy  from  the 
French,  was  hospitably  received  by  the  Mohawks,  and  gained 
an  opportunity  of  offering  the  friendship  of  France  to  the 
Onondagas. 

Father  Cholonec,  speaking  of  him,  says— "We  availed  our- 
selves of  this  occasion,  which  seemed  a  favorable  one,  to  send 
missionaries  to  the  Iroquois.  They  had  already  gained  some 
smattering  of  the  gospel,  which  had  been  preached  to  them 
by  Father  logues,  and  particularly  those  of  Onnontague 
am?,ng  whom  this  Father  had  fixed  his  residence.  It  is  Avell 
known  that  this  missionary  received  among  the  Iroquois  that 
recompense  of  martyrdom  which  Avell  befitted  his  zeal."* 
Mr.  Bancroft,  in  his  United  States,  vol.  3,  page  138,  gives  a 
thrilling  account  of  the  labors,  privations  and  death  of  this 
distinguished  herald  of  the  cross. 

Father  Henepin,  in  his  liistory  of  discovery  in  North  Ame- 
rica, at  Book  II,  page  178,  says—"  The  Order  Recollets  of 
St.  Francis,  were  the  leading  pioneers  of  the  Roman  Cathohc 
Church  in  all  the  Indies,  and  throughout  the  world,  preceding 
the  Order  of  Jesuits,  on  all  occasions  being  much  longer  es- 
tablished. But  from  some  unexplained  arrangement,  the  Je- 
suits Avcre  made  the  leading  order  of  missions  in  America." 

This  venerable  Father  himself  was  a  Recollet  of  St.  Fran- 
cis, and  published  a  large  quarto  volume  of  his  Travels  in 
North  America  from  1679  to  1682. 

The  year  1653,  Father  Le  IVIoyne  was  sent  to  the  Ononda- 


*  Kip's  Jesuits. 


MISSIONS. 


181 


gas  to  ratify  with  them  a  treaty  in  the  name  of  the  Governor 
General  of  Canada,  and  every  thing  passed  very  agreeably 
between  them.  The  missionary  remarked  to  the  savages,  that 
he  wished  to  locate  his  cabin  in  their  canton,  and  not  only  was 
his  offer  accepted,  but  they  showed  to  him  the  most  marked 
attention.  When  he  came  to  take  possession,  he  was  caress- 
ed in  a  royal  manner,  through  many  villages.  He  was  charg- 
ed with  presents  to  all,  and  was  reconducted  with  great  cere- 
mony to  Quebec,  as  they  had  previously  promised. 
The  Relation  of  Father  Le  Moyne  thus  commences : 
On  the  17th  day  of  July,  1653,  I  set  out  from  Montreal 
and  embarked  for  a  land  as  yet  but  little  known,  accompa- 
nied by  a  young  man  of  piety  and  fortitude,  Avho  had  long 
been  a  resident  of  that  country. 

July  18th.  Following  always  the  course  of  the  "  Saint 
Laurens,"  we  encountered  nothing  but  breakers  and  boiste- 
rous rapids  full  of  rocks  and  shoals. 

19th.  We  passed  into  a  beautiful  lake,  eight  or  ten  leagues 
long.  At  evening  an  innumerable  host  of  vexatious  musqui- 
toes,  gave  us  warning  of  an  approaching  storm,  in  which 
we  were  drenclied  during  the  whole  night.  To  be  thus  ex- 
posed, without  shelter,  except  of  the  forest,  is  a  pastime  more 
innocent  and  agreeable  than  could  well  be  anticipated. 

20th.  Islands  more  beautiful  than  any  in  the  world,  here 
and  there  divide  the  unruffled  stream.  Tlie  land  on  the  north 
side  is  excellent.  Towards  the  west,  there  is  a  range  of  high 
mountains,  which  we  named  St.  ]\Iarguerite. 

21st.  The  Islands  continue.  In  the  evening  we  broke 
our  bark  canoe.  It  rained  all  night.  The  bare  rocks  served 
us  for  a  bed,  covering  and  all.  He  who  has  faith  in  God,  re- 
poses sweetly  in  any  place. 

22d.  The  rapids,  Avhich  for  a  season  are  not  navigable, 
compelled  us  to  carry  our  luggage  and  canoe  on  our  shoulders  ; 
on  the  opposite  side,  I  perceived  a  herd  of  cattle,  grazing  at 
their  ease  in  perfect  security.  Four  or  tive  hundred  are 
sometimes  seen  in  this  region  in  one  drove. 
23d  and  24th.     Our  guide  being  wounded,  we  were  forced 


1  'i'\ 


MMIM^-Htr^MM 


132 


ONONDAGA, 


I  I 


to  encamp,  a  prey  to  the  musquitoes.  We  submitted  patiently. 
A  task  the  more  difficult,  because  there  was  no  cessation  from 
this  inconvenience  day  or  night.  One  could  rest  with  as  much 
ease  with  death  staring  him  in  the  face. 

25th.     We  found  the  river  so  rapid,  that  we  were  compelled 
to   throw   ourselves   into   the  water,    and   draw   our   canoe 
after  us  over  the  rocks^  as  a  dismounted  cavalier  leads  his 
horse  by  the  rein.     In  the  evening  we  landed  at  the  mouth  of 
lake  St.  Ignace,  where  the  eel  abounds  in  prodigious  quantities. 
26th.     A  storm  of  wind  and  rain,  obliged  us  to  land  this 
morning,  after  four  hours  journey.     We  soon  made  a  shelter, 
stripping  some  neighboring  trees  of  their  bark,  we  placed  it 
on  poles  fixed  in  the  ground  in  a  circle,  tlie  ends  of  which 
we  brought  together  in  the  form  of  an  arbor.     This  done, 
behold  the  house  is  finished.     Ambition  finds  no  door  to  such 
a  palace— more  delightful  to  us,  than  if  the  roof  was  of  gold. 
^  27th.     We  coasted  along  the  banks  of  the  lake,  which  are 
high  and  rocky  on  all  sides,  presenting  a  frightful  and  pictu- 
resque appearance.     It  is  wonderful  how  trees  so  large  can 
find  root  among  so  many  rocks. 

28th.  A  storm  of  thunder  and  lightning,  amid  torrents 
of  rain,  obliged  us  to  remain  under  the  i)rote('tion  of  our 
canoe,  which  being  inverted  served  us  for  a  shelter. 

29th  and  30th.  A  continued  storm  of  wind  detained  us 
at  the  entrance  of  the  great  lake,  named  Ontario.  We  called 
it  Iroquois  lake,  because  the  Iroquios  nations,  have  their  vil- 
lages^ on  the  southren  borders.  The  Hurons  are  on  the  north- 
ern side,  more  in  the  interior.  This  lake  is  about  twenty 
leagues  broad  and  forty  long. 

31st.  We  were  this  day  obliged  to  make  up  for  the  time 
we  had  lost  by  the  storm.  We  traversed  extensive  islands, 
carrying  our  luggage,  provisions  and  canoe  on  our  shoulders. 
It  made  the  way  seem  long  to  us,  poor  Aveary  voyagers. 

August  1st.  We  landed  this  day  at  a  small  village  of  Iro- 
quois fishermen.  Some  Hurons  are  among  them.  They  re- 
quested me  to  pray  for  them.     I  confessed  Ilostagehtak,  our 


MISSIONS. 


133 


host  of  the  Petun  (tobacco)  nation.  He  was  the  fruit  of  the 
labors  of  Father  C.  Garnier. 

2cl.  We  began  our  march  in  the  forest,  and  after  travel- 
ing twelve  or  fifteen  leagues,  encamped  about  sunset. 

M.  At  noon  we  found  ourselves  on  the  bank  of  a  river, 
one  hundred  or  one  hundred  and  twenty  paces  wide,  on  the 
other  side  of  which  there  is  a  village  of  fishermen.  An  Iro- 
(juois,  whom  I  had  befriended  at  Montreal,  set  me  across  in 
his  canoe,  and  kindly  bore  me  to  the  shore  on  his  shoulders, 
being  unwilling  that  I  should  put  my  feet  into  the  water. 
Everyone  received  me  with  joy,  and  these  poor  people  en- 
riched me  with  their  poverty.  They  conducted  me  to  another 
village,  about  a  league  distant,  where  a  young  man  of  con- 
sideration made  a  feast  for  me,  because  I  bore  the  name  of  his 
father,  Ondessonk.  The  chiefs,  one  aft-r  another  came  to 
harangue  us.  I  baptized  some  dying  children,  who  perhaps 
Avere  just  spared  for  that  sprinkling  of  the  precious  blood  of 
Christ. 

4th.  They  inquired  of  us  why  we  were  clothed  in  black. 
I  embraced  this  opportunity  to  speak  to  them  of  the  mys- 
teries of  our  religion.  They  brought  me  a  dying  infant  which 
I  named  Dominique.  They  no  longer  conceal  these  little 
innocents  from  us.  They  took  me  for  a  great  medicine  man, 
although  I  had  only  a  little  sugar  to  give  my  patients.  We 
pursued  our  journey.  At  noon  we  found  a  dinner  waiting  for 
us.  The  nephew  of  the  principal  chief  of  the  country  is  to 
lodge  us  in  his  cabin,  being  commissioned  by  his  uncle  to 
escort  us,  and  furnish  us  with  every  delicacy  the  season  affords, 
especially  bread  from  new  Indian  corn,  of  a  kind  which  we 
roasted  by  the  fire.     We  slept  this  night  in  the  open  air. 

5th.  We  traveled  four  leagues  before  arriving  at  the 
principal  Onondaga  village.  I  passed  many  persons  on  the 
way,  who  kindly  saluted  me,  one  calling  me  brother,  another 
uncle,  and  another  cousin.  I  never  before  had  so  many  rela- 
tions. At  a  quarter  of  a  league  from  the  village,  I  began  a 
harangue  in  a  solemn  and  commanding  tone,  which  gained 
me  great  credit.     I  named  all  their  chiefs,  fomilics  and  dis- 


134 


ONONDAGA. 


tinguished  persona.  I  told  them  that  peace  and  joy  were  my 
companions  and  that  I  scattered  war  among  the  distant  na- 
tions. Two  chiefs  addressed  me  as  I  entered  the  village  with 
a  welcome,  the  like  I  had  never  before  experienced  among 
savages.  Their  women  and  children  all  treated  me  in  a 
friendly  and  respectful  manner.  In  the  evening,  I  called  the 
principal  chiefs  together  to  make  them  two  presents.  One  to 
wipe  their  faces,  that  they  might  regard  me  with  kindness  and 
never  show  symptoms  of  sadness  in  their  countenances.  The 
second  to  clean  away  the  little  distrust,  that  might  remain 
upon  their  minds.  After  considerable  discourse,  they  reti- 
red to  consult  together,  and  then  responded  to  my  presents 
by  two  others  more  valuable  tlian  mine. 

6th.    I  was  called  to-day  in  different  directions  to  administer 
relief  to  dying  children.     Some  I  baptised.     I  also  confessed 
our  old  Huron  Christains,  and  found  that  God  is  every  where ; 
that  he  is  pleased  to  labor  silently  in  those  hearts  where  faith 
has  reigned.     He  there  builds  a  temple,  where  he  is  worship- 
ped in  spirit  and  in  truth,  that  he  may  be  glorified  forever.     In 
the  evening  my  host  took  me  aside  and  told  me,  with  much 
affection,  that  he  had  always  loved  me ;  that  he  was  now  con- 
tent, seeing  that  all  the  tribes  of  his  nation,  desired  nothing 
but  peace  ;  that  recently  the  Senecas  had  requested  negotia" 
tions  for  peace  to  be  commenced,  and  for  that  object  had  made 
several  valuable  presents  ;  that  the  Cayugas  had  brought  three 
belts  for  that  purpose  ;  that  tlie  Oneidas  were  gratified  in  hav- 
ing been,  through  his  intervention,  relieved  from  a  bad  posi- 
tion, and  wished  only  for  peace;  that  without  doubt  the  Mo- 
hawks would  foil  in  with  the  otliers ;  that  I  must  take  cour- 
a.ge,  for  I  had  the  good  wishes  of  all.     It  is  sweet  consolation 
to  witness  so  much  faith  in  savage  hearts. 

7th.  I  baptized  a  young  captive  taken  from  the  Neuter 
nation,  fifteen  or  sixteen  years  old,  who  had  been  instructed 
in  the  mysteries  of  our  faith  by  a  Huron  convert.  This  was 
the  first  adult  baptism  made  at  Onondaga,  for  which  wo  are 
indebted  to  the  piety  of  a  Huron.     The  joy  I  experienced  was 


MISSIONS. 


18u 


an  ample  compensation  for  all  past  fatigues.     When  God  dis- 
poses a  soul,  a  way  of  safety  is  soon  provided. 

9th.  This  day  at  noon  a  dismal  cry  arose,  occasioned  by 
the  massacre  of  three  Iroquois  warriors  by  the  nation  of  the 
Cat,  (Eries,)  which  took  place  about  a  day's  journey  from  the 
latter.     This  amounts  to  a  declaration  of  war. 

10th.  The  deputies  having  arrived  from  the  neighboring 
nations,  after  the  customary  proclamations  by  the  chiefs  that 
all  should  assemble  in  the  cabin  of  Ondcssonk.  I  opened  the 
council  by  a  public  prayer  on  my  knees,  in  a  loud  voice  in  the 
Huron  tongue.  I  astonished  them  exceedingly  by  mention- 
ing them  all  by  nations,  tribes,  families  and  individuals,  which 
amount  to  no  small  number.  This  I  was  enabled  to  do  from 
ray  notes,  and  to  them  it  was  as  astonishing  as  it  was  novel. 
I  told  them  I  had  nineteen  messages  to  deliver. 

The  first  was,  that  Onnontio  (Monsieur  de  Lauson,  Gover- 
nor of  New  France,)  who  spoke  by  my  mouth  in  behalf  of  the 
Hurons,  Algonquins  and  French,  since  all  these  nations  ac- 
knowledge him  as  their  great  captain.  A  large  belt  of  wam- 
pum, a  hundred  small  beads  of  green  glass,  which  are  the  dia- 
monds of  the  country,  and  an  elk  skin,  confirms  my  words. 

The  second,  was  to  cut  the  bonds  of  eight  Seneca  captives, 
taken  by  our  allies  and  carried  to  Montreal. 

The  third,  was  to  break  the  bonds  of  some  captives  of  the 
Loups,  taken  about  the  same  time. 

The  fourth,  was  to  thank  the  people  of  Onondaga  for  hav- 
ing restored  to  us  a  prisoner. 

The  fifth,  was  to  thank  the  Sonecas  for  having  saved  him 
from  torture. 

The  sixth,  was  to  thank  the  Cayugas  for  having  aided  in 
his  deliverance. 

The  seventh,  was  to  thank  the  Oneidas  for  having  broken 
the  bonds  that  held  him  captive. 

The  eighth,  ninth,  tenth  and  eleventh,  were  for  those  Iro- 
quois nations,  a  tomahawk  to  each,  for  their  new  war  with  the 
nation  of  the  Cat. 


pp|| 


*    Li 


136 


ONONDAGA. 


il 


i  i 


I'Hiiii 


The  twelfth,  was  to  replace  the  lost  head  of  the  Senccas, 
(alluding  to  the  capture  of  their  chief  by  the  Eriea.) 

The  thirteenth,  was  to  strengthen  their  defenses  against 
their  cncniies. 

The  fourteenth,  Avas  to  paint  their  warriors  for  battle. 
The  fifteenth,  was  to  unite  all  their  counsels.     Three  pre- 
sents for  that  object,  a  belt  of  wampum,  two  small  glass  beads, 
and  an  elk  skin. 

By  the  sixteenth,  I  opened  the  door  of  Annonchiasse  to  all 
their  nations,  that  they  would  be  welcome  among  us. 

By  the  seventeenth,  I  exhorted  them  to  become  instructed 
in  the  truths  of  our  faith,  and  for  that  object  1  made  three  pre- 
sents. 

By  the  eighteenth,  I  retiuired  them  henceforth  never  to  lay 
in  ambush  for  the  Algonquin  or  Huron  Nations,  who  might 
be  on  their  way  to  visit  our  French  settlements.  This  I  ac- 
companied with  three  presents. 

Finally,  by  the  nineteenth  present,  I  wiped  away  the  tears 
from  all  the  young  warriors,  shed  for  the  deatli  of  their  great 
chief,  Annencraos,  lately  taken  prisoner  by  the  nation  of  the 
Cat. 

On  the  delivery  of  each  present,  they  uttered,  from  the 
bottom  of  their  chests,  a  profound  exclamation,  in  testimony 
of  their  gratification.  I  was  about  two  hours  in  delivering  my 
speech,  in  which  I  assumed  the  tone  of  a  chief,  walking  about, 
as  is  their  custom,  like  an  actor  on  the  stage. 

After  I  had  concluded,  they  assembled  by  nations  and  tribes, 
having  called  in  the  Mohawk,  who  by  chance  happened  to  be 
there. 

After  consulting  together  for  two  hours  more,  they  called 
me  among  them,  and  seated  me  in  a  place  of  honor.  The 
chief,  who  is  principal  spokesman  and  orator  of  the  country, 
repeated  faithfully  the  substance  of  my  whole  speech,  and  af- 
ter all  had  sung  in  testimony  of  their  joy,  he  directed  me  to 
pray  to  God,  which  I  did  very  willingly.  These  exercises  be- 
ing finished,  he  addressed  me  in  behalf  of  his  nation. 


MISSIONS. 


187 


chiasse  to  all 


First,  he  thanked  Onnontio  for  his  good  wishes.  Two  largo 
belts  of  wampum. 

Second,  in  the  name  of  the  Mohawks,  he  thanked  us  for 
having  restored  five  of  their  allies  of  the  nation  of  the  Loups. 
Two  other  belts. 

Third,  in  the  name  of  the  Senecas,  lie  thanked  us  for  hav- 
ing rescued  from  the  fire  five  of  their  people.  Two  other 
belts ;  each  present  being  followed  by  exclamations  from  the 
assembly. 

Another  chief,  an  Oneida,  arose  and  delivering  four  large 
belts,  thanked  Onnontio   for  having  generously  encouraged 
thorn  to  combat  agiiinst  their  new  enemies,  of  the  nation  of 
the  Cat,  and  for  having  exhorted  them  never  to  wage  war 
against  the  French.     "  Thy  words  are  admirable,  Onnontio. 
They  produce  in  my  heart  two  contrary  emotion.-^.     You  ani- 
mate me  to  war,  and  calm  my  heart  with  thoughts  of  peace. 
You  are  both  a  great  warrior  and  a  peace  maker  ;  kind  to- 
wards those  you  love,  but  terrible  against  y<>ur  enemies.     We 
all  wish  you  joy,  and  wo  will  love  the  French  for  your  sake." 
In  conclusion,  the  Onondaga  chief  commenced  speaking : 
•'Hoar,  Ondessonk,"  said  ho,  "  five  nations  speak  through  my 
mouth.     I  have  in  my  heart  the  sentiments  of  all  the  Iroquois 
nations,  :ind  my  language  is  faithful  to  my  heart.     Tell  On- 
nontio four  things,  which  are  the  su])joct  of  all  our  councils. 

First,  we  will  acknowledge  him  of  whom  you  have  spoken, 
who  is  the  master  of  our  lives  and  to  us  unknown. 

Second,  our  national  tree,  is  this  day  planted  at  Onon- 
daga; henceforth,  it  will  be  the  place  of  our  councils  and 
treaties  for  peace. 

Third,  we  request  you  to  select  on  the  banks  of  our  great 
lake,  a  convenient  place  for  a  French  habitation.  Place 
yourself  in  the  heart  of  our  country,  since  you  have  possessed 
our  inmost  affections.  There,  we  can  go  for  instruction ;  and 
from  thence,  you  can  spread  yourselves  everywhere.  Have 
for  us  the  care  of  fathers,  and  we  will  entertain  for  you  the 
respect  of  children. 

Fourth;  we  arc  engaged  in  new  wars;  let  Onnontio  animate 

18 


JfJW^MBJi^i 


138 


O  N  O  N  D  A  (J  A  . 


US  for  the  acone.     For  him  wo  will  have  no   thoughts  but 
peace." 

Their  most  vahiable  presents  were  reserved  for  the  last  four 
Hpccchefl. 

On  tiio  l')th  of  August,  wo  set  out  on  our  return  with  ii 
goodly  company. 

On  the  Itjth  we  arrived  at  the  entrance  of  a  small  lake. 
(Onondaga.)  In  a  large  basin,  half  dry,  we  tasted  the  water 
of  a  spring,  Avhich  the  Indians  are  afraid  to  drink,  saying 
that  is  inliiibited  by  a  demon  who  renders  it  foul.  I  found  it 
to  be  a  fountain  of  salt  water,  from  which  we  made  a  little 
salt,  ns  natural  as  from  the  soa,  some  of  which  we  shall  carry 
to  Queljcc.  This  lake  aboiuids  in  salmon,  trout  and  other 
kinds  of  liwh. 

On  the  ITth,  we  entered  the  outlet  of  the  lake,  and  passed  the 
river  of  the  Senecas  on  the  left,  the  addition  of  which  enlarges 
the  stream.  It  rises,  they  say,  in  two  streams,  nmong  the 
Cayugas  and  Senecas.  After  three  leagues  more  of  pleasant 
traveling,  wo  passed  on  our  right,  the  river  of  Oneida,  which 
seemed  (piitc  deep.  A  league  farther,  we  encountered  some 
rapids,  wliifh  gave  the  name  to  a  village  of  iishermen. 

On  the  18th,  my  companions  were  engaged  in  putting  their 
canoes  in  order. 

August  19th,  '70  journeyed  on  upon  the  same  river,  Avliich  is 
of  fine  width,  and  everywhere  deep,  except  some  rapids,  where 
we  found  it  necessary  to  get  into  the  water  and  draw  the  ca- 
noe to  prevent  its  being  broken  by  the  rocks. 

20th.  We  arrived  this  day  at  the  great  lake  Ontario,  called 
the  Lake  of  the  Iroquois. 

The  residue  of  the  journal  is  a  continuation  of  his  journey 
back  to  Quebec.  lie  describes  the  scenery  along  the  lake  as 
very  beautiful.  He  became  almost  enchanted  with  the  abun- 
dance of  game,  consisting  of  immense  herds  of  wild  cattle, 
deer,  &c.,  which  were  feeding  on  extensive  meadows.  Com- 
pletely satisfied  with  the  results  of  his  mission,  he  arrived 
safely  at  Quebec,  on  the  11th  of  September,  16-58. 

Next  in  order  is  the  Relation  of  the  years  1055  and  1650, 


ar  I  s  H I  o  N  a , 


189 


Jturn  with  a 


by  Father  Francis  lo  Mercier,  giving  an  account  of  tho  voy- 
age  of  Father  Joseph  Chauraonot,  and  Father  Claude  Dablon 
to  Onondaga,  to  the  country  of  the  Inxiuois  superiors. 

Tho  Agnics  (Mohawks)  and  Onneiouts  (Oneidas)  from  be- 
low,  wo  denominate  the  Lower  or  Inferior  Iroquois.     The 
Onon(hvga3  and  the  neighboring  nations  for  tho  Upper  or  Su- 
perior Irociuois,   because   they  advance   higher  towards  tho 
source  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  itdmbit  a  mountainous 
country.     ()non(higa  being  the  central  nation,  our  voyage  was 
directed  to  that  place.     Wo  set  out  from  Quebec,  the"  IDth 
of  September,  HUV),  and  from  Montreal,  the  7th  of  October. 
We  ascended  the  Sault  St.  Louis,  but  on  account  of  the  break- 
ers, and  the  difficult  passage,  we  ordy  advanced  four  leagues 
the  first  day,  and  a  (fuarter  of  a  league  on  the  second.   Ve 
here  joined  some  Onondagas,  who  had  preceded  us,  that  they 
might  have  time   to  prepare  canoes  for   the  voyaf^e.     We 
piissod  the  remainder  of  the  day  with  them. 

On  the  9th,  we  traversed  tho  lake  St.  Louis,  which  is  formed 
ill  the  river  St.  Lawrence.  This  magnificent  river  forms  lakes 
in  many  places,  by  expanding  its  waters  and  afterwards  com- 
pressing them  within  its  natural  channel. 

On  tho  10th,  which  was  Sunday,  we  had  tlio  consolation 
of  saying  holy  mass.  Our  guides  and  the  rest  of  our  people, 
had  soon  erected  and  dressed  an  altar  and  living  chapel,  since 
it  was  built  of  the  green  branches  of  trees.  We  made  wine 
from  the  grapes  of  the  country,  which  were  everywhere  abun- 
dant. After  our  devotions  were  completed,  we  rc-embarked, 
and  had  hardly  made  a  league,  when  we  met  a  band  of  Tson- 
nontnuan  (Seneca)  hunters,  who  told  us  that  their  nation  was 
to  send  an  embassy  to  the  French  in  tho  autumn. 

On  the  12th,  we  rowed  up  several  rapids,  and  in  the  eve- 
niug,  instead  of  resting,  after  our  hard  day's  work  in  these 
currents  by  which  we  had  advanced  about  five  lengucs,  we 
liad  to  keep  watch,  for  we  greatly  feared  the  Mohawks,  of 
which  a  part  of  our  band  was  composed,  who  were  enemies 
to  the  Ilurons  and  the  faith. 
On  the  13th,  we  did  not  proceed  far,  on  account  of  the 


At  li 


'f'--" 


i  :i 


•    I  'f  '(■■  m  » 


h 


140 


ONONDAGA. 


failure  of  our  provisions.  Our  hunters  and  fishers  were  ne- 
cessarily engaged  in  seeking  their  own  subsistence  and  ours 
from  the  woods  and  streams. 

14th.  Our  purveyors  were  not  remarkably  fortunate ;  our 
stock  of  provisions  Avas  still  running  lower  and  lower,  and  our 
appetites  continually  sharpened  by  hunger.  At  this  juncture 
we  made  prize  of  a  wild  cow.  This  poor  boast  had  been 
drowned ;  its  flesh  was  already  in  a  state  of  decay,  but  appe- 
tite being  a  superior  cook,  without  salt  or  spices,  Ave  still  found 
this  meat  not  only  very  acceptable,  but  exceedingly  well  fla- 
vored. Nay,  let  us  rather  say  that  the  zeal  and  ardor  that 
we  feel,  in  gaining  these  poor  souls  for  God,  so  softens  all  our 
difficulties,  that  avc  find  much  sweetness  in  the  strong,  and 
much  that  is  agreeable  in  the  bitter. 

On  the  15th,  God  caused  us  to  pass  from  destitution  to 
abundance.  Eight  bears  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  our 
liunters.  Immediately  all  our  people  became  butchers  and 
cooks.  Nothing  was  seen  but  flesh  and  grease  and  skins. 
Four  pots  boiled  continually,  and  Avhen  it  came  to  the  knives 
and  the  teeth,  not  one  asked  for  bread,  Avine,  salt  or  sauce. 
It  Av.  s  most  excellent, Avithont  seasoning.  The  rains  descend- 
ed abundantly  this  day,  Avhich  obliged  our  fiimished  horde  to 
repose,  Avitliout  the  loss  of  a  day  of  fine  Aveather. 

On  tlie  17th,  the  abundance  continues  ;  our  people  killed 
thirty  bears.  One  man  killed  ten,  for  his  single  portion.  A 
singular  ceremony  folloAved  this  great  carnage,  Avhicli  Avns  to 
drink  the  grease  of  these  bears  after  a  meal,  as  avc  drink  "  Ily- 
jjocras"  in  France.  AfterAvards  every  individual  rubbed  them- 
selves from  head  to  foot  Avith  this  oil. 

On  the  night  of  tlie  18th  and  19th,  Ave  Avere  much  diAxrted 
by  an  agreeable  incident.  One  of  our  savages  aAvakes  at  raid- 
night,  out  of  breath,  crying  and  turning  himself  about  like  a 
madman.  We  thought  at  first  that  some  great  calamity  had 
befallen  him,  so  Adolent  Avere  his  convulsions.  We  ran  to  him 
to  encourage  him,  but  his  cries  and  fury  redoubled.  We  hid 
our  arms  lest  he  should  seize  them  and  improperly  use  them. 
Some  prepared  a  medicinal  drink  for  him ;  others  held  him  ao 


MISSIONS, 


141 


well  as  they  could,  but  he  escaped  from  their  hands  and  cast 
himself  into  tlie  river,  where  he  behaved  strangely ;  several 
ran  to  draAv  him  out ;  they  proposed  a  fire  for  him ;    altho'  he 
acknowledged  himself  very  cold,  he  went  away  from  the  fire 
and  took  his  station  against  a  tree,  by  which  to  warm  himself. 
Our  people  oifered  the  medicine  prepaied  for  him  ;  "But," 
said  he,  "  it  is  not  suitable  for  my  complaint.     Give  it  to  that 
child,"  said  he,  pointing  to  the  skin  of  a  bear  stuffed  with  straw. 
We  were  obliged  to  obey  him,  and  pour  it  down  the  throat  of 
that  beast.     Until  then,  every  one  had  been  alarmed.     But 
when  closely  questioned,  as  to  what  ailed  him,  he  said  he  had 
dreamed  that  a  certain  animal,  Avhich  is  in  the  habit  of  divine 
in  the  water,  had  got  into  his  stomacli  and  awakened  him,  and 
that  to  fight  with  it,  he  had  thrown  himself  into  the  river. 
Upon  this,  all  our  fears  were  changed  to  laughter,     ic  was 
neccssMvy,  however,  to  cure  the  diseased  imagination  of  this 
man,     Wherefore  they  all  pretended  to  be  as  mad  as  himself, 
and  to  fight  with  the  animals  diving  in  the  water.     They  also 
prepared  to  sweat  themselves  so  ii.s  to  get  him  to  do  like  them. 
As  he  cried  and  sung  aloud  durhig  the  process  of  SAveating, 
imitating  the  cry  of  the  animals  with  which  he  was  fighting, 
so  thoy  also  began  to  cry  and  sing  aloud,  the  cries  of  those 
animals  with  which  they  pretended  to  be  fighting,  every  one 
violently  striking  the  poor  fellow  in  the  cadence  of  their  song, 
hnaginc  what  a  chorus  of  twenty  voices,  imitating  ducks,  teall 
and  frogs,  and  what  a  sight  to  see  so  many  men  pretendino-  to 
be  mad  in  order  to  cure  a  madman.     They  succeeded  well 
for  after  being  thoroughly  sweated,  our  lunatic  stretched  him- 
self upon  liis  unit  and  slept  as  soundly  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened.    Ilis  disease,  which  had  come  on  in  a  dream,  passed 
off  in  a  dreamy  sleep,  and  whosoever  has  to  do  with  these  Pa- 
gan savages  may  lose   his  life  by  a  dream. 

On  the  10th,  20th,  21st,  22d,  2.3(1,  we  labored  hard  in  drag- 
ging our  canoes  through  the  rapids,  making  only  four  or  five 
leagues. 

2-kh,  AVe  arrived  early  at  Lake  Ontario,  a  very  beautiful 
lake.     (Father  Henepin,  speaking  of  this  lake,  says.  Tome 


■     '<■''  "5,1  M 


, |,f ! i 


ii  f[['t  it 


iH 

^aJlllrLI' 

yjMiro'tiB 

li 

w 

■KJlLiii 

If 


142 


ONONDAGA. 


I,  page  23,  ''  The  river  of  St.  Laurence  derives  its  source 
from  Liic  Ontario,  which  is  Hkewise  called,  in  the  Iroquois  lan- 
guage, Skanadario,  that  is  to  say,  very  jjretty  Lac."  Again, 
at  Tome  II,  page  136,  he  says,  "  The  great  river  of  St.  Lau- 
rence, which  I  have  often  mentioned,  runs  through  the  mid- 
dle of  the  Iroquois  country,  and  makes  a  great  Lake  there, 
which  they  call  Ontario,  viz :  the  beautiful  Lac.  It  is  near 
one  hundred  leagues  long,  and  a  vast  number  of  towns  might 
bo  built  upon  it.")  To  continue  our  narrative — five  stags  were 
killed  this  evening,  at  the  entrance  of  the  lake.  The  inci- 
dent was  sufficient  to  stop  our  party.  We  considered  at  lei- 
sure the  beauty  of  this  lake,  the  entrance  to  which  is  half 
way  from  Montreal  to  Onondaga.  It  is  incomparably  the 
most  difficult  part,  on  account  of  the  great  number  of  rapids. 
We  afterwards  enter  into  beautiful  smooth  water,  interspersed 
with  numerous  islands,  distant  about  a  quarter  of  a  league  from 
each  other.  It  is  pleasant  to  witness  the  swimming  of  herds 
of  cows  from  island  to  island.  Our  hunters  often  intercept 
their  path,  as  they  return  to  firm  land,  and  place  themselves 
at  the  landing  places,  conducting  them  to  death  at  the  most 
desirable  spot. 

On  the  25th  and  26th,  we  advanced  sixteen  leagues  into  the 
lake,  and  fairly  enter  it.  We  have  never  remarked  any  thing 
more  beautiful.  It  borders  on  the  sublime.  At  times  the 
scenery  is  even  frightful.  Lofty  islands  and  huge  rocks  piled 
up  like  towering  citadels,  covered  with  cedars  and  pines,  va- 
riegate the  prospect. 

On  the  27th,  we  passed  most  of  the  islands,  and  water  alone 
was  visible  on  every  side.  In  the  evening  we  met  a  band  of 
Seneca  hunters.  We  Avere  both  greatly  surprised  at  meeting, 
but  to  relieve  our  embarrassment,  they  invited  us  to  a  feast 
of  corn  and  beans,  cooked  in  the  beautiful  clear  water  of  the 
country.  This  food,  simple  as  it  was,  and  seasoned  with 
brotherly  love,  was  delicious. 

29th.  We  arrived  at  Ontiahantague  (Oswego).  We  received 
there  a  warm  welcome ;  every  one  crowded  to  see  us.  Ontia- 
hantague, is  a  large  river  whicli  discharges  into  Lake  Ontario; 


MISSIONS. 


143 


jrives  its  source 


lands,  all  propo    '       '    '  1  ^      f      ™  ""'°  ^'^'""  »<•  '»- 
fish  are  oLZ;„    I      ,  "'  "'■"''■     ^'"''°™  kinds  of 

"  """S'''  '"  ''I'mdance  at  all  seasons  of  the  vear      T„ 
spring,  as  soon  as  the  snow  is  melte.l   it  i,f„l   „f      n  ^  ,, 
«.T.  sueceed  the™,  afterwards  the  i  ^.t"  if:^,'^:^, 
Ml,  SIX  inches  bn:»,  of  exeell„„t  «  I  ^  ™' 

'■-.■5„c.V  and  at  th    end    f    I  vV  """  "■""  "^"^  *° 
npo,  stn,,eo„  are  often"  «!,  Se't"  "17  hTrt"? 

were  here  received  wit],  +l,«     *.  V^'''J'i<iagds.j      vVe 

selves  on  his  no,-]-   «.  •  ^r\™°"°<^  5   some  threw  them- 

selves, on  ms  neck,  some  invited  him  to  -i   f^-icf    .fi, 
1  m  nr.NPnf-a      Ti  *^^^^^'  others  ffave 

mm  pitsents.     J-hey  were  overiovo,!      p„  *= 

nppfnvmr.,1  .>  1-  7  •  "^  "'^'•'*^y""-  -I  layers  were  openlv 
peiioimed,  a  ciil)in  bcmr^  too  sitimU  f^  ^  ^  •  ,  I^^^^v 
17  *i      1        1    ,    .  "  sin.iJl  to  contain  them      Tho 

H.ons,  Of  the  upper  e^l^.-^rd  it:,  ^^nefe^ 

m  account  of  tlieir  aversion  to  the  f.ith    1.  "\^tiacted, 

.yi^'I^l^  listening  attentively  to  tl.e^  .f  '     i- '      ''  '^'^'^"  '' 

is  it  that  affliction  X"  f  Xl      .    ^  T"  r "'""" '  ''  ''^' 
I'uii  ^ixcb  a  iiniit  understandino-      Tim  tt-..^! 

met  here  Otohenha,  the  host  of  the  1-ito  F    ^"  ,/^'' *^*'^^^'' 
tI)A  T7.,fi       /-I  .        ^•^'' "1  "-"^  late  leather  Gamier   -md 

1"C  Father  Carrea.,,  in  the  nation  of  Petu,,   (Tobaoe      '   ,T 
«as  so  overjoyed  at  the  siW.t  of  the  v7lL     ,uT,' 
«ot  speak,  ami  was  obliged  To  delav  to  ,   '        '  ''"  """''' 

lation  of  his  adventures?  whht'   l^      <'  """•  """  ''■ 

«-|io  Iia,l  solicited  a  dwelli,,,,  place  ,  "°™"'^' 

«ely  overtaken  by  the  oZ^.^  ^r"]  '"J,™  "'"■<"■'"- 

■-anddistribiitoiinion/trhi;?;:!;;:^::;'^'-^^^^ 

One  of  the  women  having  lee„  secretly  advised,  that  the 


144 


ONOxNDAGA 


IS'iIilt 


f    " 


11 


relatives  of  liim  for  whom  she  had  been  given,  wished  to  burn 
her,  fled  into  the  woods  with  her  child,  after  Rene  had  bap- 

tized  it. 

What  is  not  less  sad,  he  related  the  death  of  that  famous 
Martha  Gahatio,  of  well  known  sanctity,     (lod  willed  to  try 
her  severely.     Ho  said  that  during  the  past  year,  being  at 
war  with  the  nation  of  the  Cat  and  with  the  Onondagas,  having 
taken  and  sacked  a  small  village,  he  found  among  the  slain, 
the  good  Reno  and  Sondiouaeren  and  his  daughter,  among 
the  captives,  the  same  Martha  of  whom  we  speak.     They  had 
mutually  encouraged  each  other,  had  kept  their  promises  to 
God,  and  died  in  a  full  profession  of  the  faith,     llie  poor 
INIartha,  who  could  not  well  follow  the  victors,  because  of  lame- 
ness and  a  little  child  which  she  could  scarcely  carry,  was 
cruelly  burned  on  the  road.     Two  of  her  children  had  escaped 
the  fury  of  the  Onondagas,  but  they  gave  us  no  tidings  of 
them.     It  was  truly  pitiful  to  hear  these  poor  people  relate 
the  story  of  their  captivity.     Several  of  them  had  been  killed 
by  those  who  had  at  first  spared  their  lives.     A  slight  dis- 
obedience or  sickness,  was  sufficient  to  obtain  for  them  a  blov/ 
of  the  hatchet. 

On  the  yOth,  avc  prepared  to  go  by  land  to  Onondaga, 
After  mid  day,  we  met  several  Oneida  warriors,  who  were 
going  beyond  the  rapids,  against  a  people  called  Nez  Pcrce^, 
(Pierced  Noses)  Atondutochan  was  their  leader.  He  was  at 
Montreal  on  the  second  embassy  sent  by  the  town  of  Oneida, 
He  was  a  well  made  and  an  elotpient  man.  He  entreated  us 
to  remain  a  day  or  two  longer,  that  he  might  learn  our  pur- 
pose. 

On  the  31st,  these  warriors  all  assembled,  and  after  the 
ordinary  ceremonies,  at  such  a  meeting,  Father  Chaumonot 
addressed  Atondutochan,  and  told  him  in  the  first  place,  that 
he  rejoiced  to  see  this  great  man,  whose  voice  had  been  so 
liigh  at  Montreal  that  its  echo  still  resounded  there. 

'secondly ;  that  the  subject  which  led  him  to  this  country, was 
to  fulfill  a  promise  he  had  previously  made,  to  speak  to  all  tlic 
same  language,  as  all  are  warmed  by  the  same  sun,  and  all 


MISSIONS. 


146 


have  the  same  heart,  so  all  should  henceforth  be  brothers. 
At  these  two  articles  the  usual  acclamations  were  heard ;  all 
manifested  in  their  countenances,  the  joy  which  this  discourse 
gave  them,  and  because  it  had  been  reported  that  peace  had 
been  concluded  between  the  French  and  Mohawks,  without 
comprising  the  Algonkins  and  Ilurons  in  it. 

The  Father  added  thirdly,  that  he  came  to  make  and  conclude 
a  good  and  universal  peace. 

In  the  fourth  place,  he  made  a  present  of  fifteen  hundred 
porcelain  beads,  to  invite  them  to  treat  well  the  two  French- 
men,  among  those  whom  they  were  about  to   combat  •  and 
finally,  he  prayed  to  the  Maker  of  all,  to  take  care  of  his  en- 
terprise.    We  had  resolved  to  make  him  a  valuable  present 
in  order  to  quiet  his  soldiers ;  but  we  learned  secretly,  that 
ue  should  have  been  certainly  refused,  because   they  were 
strongly  moved  at  the  death  of  some  of  their  people,  whom 
they  wished  to  avenge  at  any  price  whatsoever.     After  the 
Father  had  spoken  for  half  an  hour,  the  chief  commenced  his 
response. 

The  whole  party,  as  if  by  concert,  commenced  to  sing  in  a 
man-^r  like  a  full  chorus.     The  first  song  said,  that  they 
were  all  now  engaged  for  the  day  in  thanking  the  Father  for 
the  good  news  he  had  brought  them.     The  second  song  was 
to  congratulate  him  for  his  favorable  voyage,  upon  his  safe 
arrival.     They  sang  a  third  time,  to  light  a  fire  to  the  Father 
that  he  miglit  take  possession  of  the  country.     The  fourth 
song,  united  us  as  a  band  of  brothers.     The  fifth,  threw  the 
Iiatchet  to  the  bottom  of  the  waters,  that  peoce  might  reign 
m  all  their  borders.     The  sixth  song,  was  to  make  the  French 
masters  of  Ontiahantague.     It  was  here  that  the  chief  invited 
the  salmon,  the  "  barlme-  and  otlier  fishes  to  cast  themselves 
into  our  nets,  and  to  fill  this  river  only  for  our  benefit.     He 
told  the  fishes,  that  they  would  be  very  fortunate  to  terminate 
their  lives  thus  honorably.     He  named  all  the  fi.hes  of  this 
river,  even  to  the  very  smallest,  and  apostrophized  them  all 
in  his  peculiar  vein  of  eloquence,     lie  added  many  other 
things,  which  caused  all  our  people  to  laugli.     The  seventh 

19 


146 


ONONDAGA. 


'<      i 


song  was  still  more  agreeable  to  us.  It  was  to  open  their 
hearts  and  ask  us  to  read  there,  their  satisfaction  upon  our 
arrival.  At  the  end  of  these  songs,  they  made  us  a  present 
of  two  thousand  porcelain  beads.  Thereupon  the  Father  rais- 
ing his  voice  answered,  that  the  kindness  of  his  words  con- 
tinually became  more  affecting.  That  before  this  time,  the 
shores  of  Lake  Ontario  only  had  listened  to  his  voice ;  but 
henceforth,  it  should  fly  beyond  the  greatest  of  all  the  lakes, 
and  would  roll  like  thunder  over  all  France.  This  pleased 
the  chieftain,  as  well  as  all  his  people.  They  afterwards  invi- 
ted us  to  a  feast,  which  closed  the  evenins;. 

On  the  first  of  November,  we  set  out  overland  for  Onondaga. 
We  met  here  a  good  Huron  Avoman,  named  Theresa  Oiouha- 
ton.  This  poor  woman,  luiving  heard  of  the  arrival  of  the 
French,  came  three  leagues  distant  from  her  dwelling  to  greet 
the  Father  on  his  passage.  Her  joy  Avas  great  at  seeing  the 
^^  Noir  llob':^''  (priests)  once  more  before  she  died.  The 
Father  asked  her  if  the  little  child  she  held  in  her  arms  had 
been  baptized,  and  by  whom.  She  answered  that  she  herself 
had  baptized  it  in  these  Avords  :  Jesus  have  mercy  on  my  child. 
I  baptize  thee  my  child,  that  thou  mayest  be  happy  in  heaven. 
Thereupon  the  Fatlier  confessed  and  consoled  her.  We  pass- 
ed the  night  on  the  bank  of  the  stream,  after  having  made 
five  good  leagues.  We  departed  thence  at  dawn,  on  the 
2d  of  November,  and  after  advancing  six  or  seven  leagues, 
we  pitched  our  camp,  at  the  same  sign,  under  the  same  au- 
spice, Avhich  had  always  shone  upon  our  journey,  the  evening 
star. 

On  the  3d,  we  left  before  the  sun  had  risen.  The  Frencli 
met  upon  their  road,  the  sister  of  that  Theresa  of  whom  we 
have  spoken,  Avho  related  her  misfortunes  with  many  tears. 
I  had,  said  she,  two  children  in  my  captivity  ;  but  alas,  they 
have  been  massacred  by  their  captors,  and  I  have  every  day 
to  dread  a  similar  fate.  Death  stands  before  me  continually. 
We  had  to  console  her,  and  afterwards  to  confess  her,  then 
leave  her  quickly,  to  follow  our  guides,  who  took  us  this  day 


MISSIONS, 


147 


to  Tethiroguen.*  This  is  a  river  which  issues  from  a  river 
called  Goienho.f  Oneida  village,  one  of  the  Iroquois  nations, 
IS  above  this  lake,  which  in  its  construction  makes  the  river 
Tethiroguen,  and  afterwards  a  rapid  of  steep  descent,  called 
Ahaouetc^.t  As  soon  as  we  had  arrived  at  this  river,  the  most 
notable  among  a  good  number  of  fisherman  who  sojourned 
here,  came  to  pay  us  their  respects,  and  afterwards  conducted 
us  to  their  best  cabins. 

On  the  4th  of  November,  we  advanced  about  six  leagues, 
still  on  foot,  and  burdened  with  our  little  baggage.  We  passed 
the  night  about  four  leagues  from  Onondaga. 

On  the  r,th  of  November,  1G5.5,  as  we  continued  our  route, 
a  chieftain  of  note,  called  Gonatcregon,  met  us  a  league  from 
his  cabin,  welcomed  our  arrival,  and  kindly  invited  us  to  re- 
mam  with  his  people.     He  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  our 
little  company,  and  conducted  us  in  state  to  within  a  quar- 
ter of  a  league  of  Onondaga,  where  the  '^  Anciens"  of  the 
country  awaited  us.     Having  seated  ourselves  beside  them 
they  set  before  ns  their  best  provisions,  especially  pumpkins 
baked  in  the  ashes.     While  we  were  eating,  an  aged  chieftain 
named  Okonchiarennen,  arose,  requiring  silence,  and  among 
other  things,  said,  we  were  very  welcome ;  we  were  much  wish- 
ed for,  and  had  been  expected  for  a  long  time.     Since  the 
young  men,  whose  element  is  war,  had  themselves  demanded 
and  procured  peace,  it  was  for  the  aged  men  no  more  to  han- 
dle arms,  but  to  ratify  peace   and  embrace  it  with  all  their 
hearts,  wliich  they  sincerely  did.     It  was  the  lAIohawks  only, 
Avho  wished  to  darken  the  sun,  rendered  so  splendid  by  our 
approach,  and  who  were  disposed  to  fill  the  sky  with  clouds, 
at  the  same  time  that  we  dispersed  them ;  but  that  all  the  ef- 
forts of  these  envious  men  would  fall  to  the  ground,  and  that  at 
the  last  tlioy  would  agree  with  us,  that  we  should  soon  take  pos- 
session of  the  lands  assigned  us,  and  enter  and  enjoy  our  new 
liomes  in  perfect  security.     After  having  delivered  this  dis- 
course, which  was  spoken  in  apparently  a  studied  manner,  the 


*  Oneida  IWvcr. 


t  Chittunango  Creek.  Gastoirs  R ifts,  town  ofClay. 


148 


ONONDAGA, 


Father  replied,  that  his  speech  was  as  a  most  agreeable  bever- 
age to  U8,  wliich  took   away  all  the  fatigue  of  the  journey. 
That  he  came  on  the  part  of  Onnontio  to  satisfy  their  demands 
and  he  doubted  not  they  Avould  be  fully  satisfied  when  they 
had  learned  his  commision.     The  whole  people  listened  with 
attention   and  ailmiration,   delighted  to  hoar  a  Frenchman 
speak  their  language  so  well.     After  this,  our  chief,  Avho  had 
lately  spoken,  arose  arid  gave  a  signal,   and  conducted  w 
through  long  fdos  closely  ranged,  to  see  us  pass  through  their 
midst;  Ave  were  prescniid  with  fruits  and  favored  with  happy 
greetings  on  all  sides,  until  we  arrived  at  the  principal  villaf^c. 
whose   streets  were  very  clean  and  the  roofs  of  the  cabin.'* 
seemed  covered  with  children.     We  were  ushered  into  a  spa- 
cious cabin  which  had  p.-  viously  been  prepared  for  us,  and  as 
many  as  could  entered  v.ith  us.     After  resting  a  short  time. 
we  were  invited  to  a  })ear  feast.     We  excused  ourselves  be- 
cause it  was  Friday.     Tills  did  not  prevent  us  however  from 
being  treated  all  the  rest  of  the  day,  to  fish  and  beaver  tail  in 
various  cabins.     Very  lale  in  the  evening,  the  '•'' Anciems' 
held  a  council  in  one  cabin.     One  of  them  having  welcomed 
us  in  behalf  of  the  nation,  made  us  two  presents,  one  of  five 
hundred  porcelain  beads,  with  which  to  wipe  our  eyes,  still 
wet  with  the  tears  shed  for  the  murders  which  had  occurred 
among  us  this  year ;  and  as  grief  takes  away  the  voice,  (ob- 
serving that  it  was  weak  on  our  arrival.)  he  added  a  second 
present  of  five  hundred  porcelain  beads,  to  strengtlicn  our 
stomach  and  clear  the  phlegm  from  our  throats,  so  as  to  re- 
store our  voice,  very  clear,  very  free,  and  very  strong.     The 
Father  thanked  tliem  kindly  for  their  good  Avill,  and  told  them 
that  Onnontio  and  Achiendase*  had  their  eyes  turned  towards 
the  coast  of  Onondaga,  to  see  from  Quebec  the  state  in  which 
we  were,  and  that  he  made  us  a  present  of  two    thousand 
beads  to  cause  them  to  open  the  door  of  their  cabin,  where 
they  had  lodged  us,  so  that  all  the  Frenoli  might  see  the  good 
treatment  which  we  received  there.     The  kindly  countenan- 


*  GoverB'T  of  Canada,  and  tlie  French  Superior  of  Misf:ions. 


MISSIONS, 


140 


ces 


which  they  exhibited,  and  the  beautiful  mats  they, 


,         ,    ,  - — ""'^y  gave  us 

to  rest  upon,  showed  they  were  .lolighted  with  the  compliment 
On  the  morrow,  the  sixth  of  November,  wo  were  invited  by 
day  light  to  several  feasts,  which  la.s^ed  all  the  mornin^  This 
did  not  Inuder  the  Father  from  .jroing  to  see  the  sick,  who 
proniiscd  to  ask  for  instruction  in  case  they  regained  their 
health. 

On  the  seventh  day,  Sunday,  was  hel.l  a  secret  council  of 
littecn  chiefs,  where  the  Father  was  called,  after  havin<'  wor- 
shiped God,  to  meet  twenty  persons,  avIio  presented  'them- 
selves     It  was  told  the  French  in  this  assembly,  first,  that 
Agocluendaguete,  who  is  the  great  king  of  all  the  country 
and  Onnontio  were  equally  firm  and  constant  in  their  decisions' 
and  that  nothing  could  sever  the  bond  which  held  them  so 
firmly  united.     Second,  that  they  should  send  their  most  vi- 
gorous youth  to  bring  back  the  Huron  ambassadors,  who  had 
come  to  treat  for  peace  with  us.     Thir.l,  they  prayed   that 
Onnontio  should  be  informed,  that  althougi,  some  of  their  peo- 
ple should  be  ill-treated  or  even  killed  by  the  Mohawks,  that 
should  not  prevent  the  alliance  they  so  much  desired,  and  that 
It  should  be  the  same  on  the  part  of  Onnontio,  if  injuries  were 
inflicted  on  the  French.     Fourth,  having  learned  that  Onnon- 
tio would  be  best  gratified  to  hear  that  they  had  erected  a 
chapel  for  believers  this  very  autumn,  to  please  him,  they 
would  provide  it  as  soon  as  possible.     At  this  sentence,  the 
father  having  taken  their  words,  told  them,  that  they  had 
found  the  secret  of  taking  captive  the  Governor's  heart,  and 
of  gaining  him  entirely.     All,  at  once  uttered  a  cry  of  appro- 
val, upon  which  the  council  concluded. 

In  the  evening,  speaking  familiarly  to  the  Father,  they 
asked  him  to  tell  them  sometlm.g  about  France.  The  Father, 
finding  so  fair  an  occasion  of  making  an  impression,  repre- 
sents to  them  that  Franco  had  formerly  been  in  the  same  error 
in  which  they  were,  but  that  Go<l  had  opened  our  eyes  by 
means  of  his  Son.  Whereupon,  explaining  the  great  mystery 
of  tlio  Incarnation,  he  refuto<l  all  the  calumnies,  whidi  had 
prevailed  in  their  country  i.gainst  the  faith.     lie  did  this  so 


150 


ONONDAGA, 


I'  ' 


pleasantly  and  effectually,  that  for  the  spaeo  of  an  hour  and 
a  half  that  ho  spoke,  no  sign  of  weariness  appeared.  The 
council  ended  in  a  feast,  from  whicli  they  excused  themselves 
because  the  entertain'ni.nt  at  Onondaga  was  not  as  sumptuous 
us  that  given  to  t^v  <  iiii()a.u-i;uiors  at  Quebec.  The  day  closed 
by  a  great  asstimhly  of  those  who  came  to  worship  God,  and 
those  who  visited  through  motives  of  curiosity. 

Much  of  the  time  of  our  missionaries  is  taken  up  in  visit- 
ing, talking  and  arranging  the  affairs  of  tlie  mission.  Several 
children  have  been  baptised,  jithI  pcvmi.  ,.lon  granted  for  us 
to  settle  among  them,  and  the  place  selected.  On  the  9th, 
while  the  French  were  at  work  rebuihling  the  old  foundations 
of  the  old  Huron  church,  Avhich  had  been  somewhat  broken 
up.*  This  day,  for  the  first  time,  we  visited  the  salt  spring, 
which  is  only  two  leagues  from  here,  near  the  lake  Genen- 
taha,  and  the  place  chosen  for  the  French  settlement,  because 
it  is  in  the  centre  of  the  Iroquois  nations,  and  because  we  can 
from  thence  visit  in  canoes,  various  locations  upon  the  rivers 
and  lakes,  which  renders  commerce  free  and  commodious. 
Fishing  and  hunting  increase  the  importance  of  this  place, 
for  besides  the  various  kinds  of  fish  that  are  taken  there  at 
different  seasons  of  the  year,  the  eel  is  so  abundant  tliat  a 
thousand  are  sometimes  speared  by  a  single  fislierman  in  a 
night,  and  as  for  the  game,  which  does  not  fail  tlirough  the 
winter,  the  pigeons  gather  in  spring  in  such  numbers  tliatthey 
are  taken  in  nets  in  great  abundance.  Tlie  fountain,  from 
which  very  good  salt  is  made,  intersects  a  fine  meadow  sur- 
rounded by  a  wood  of  superior  growth.  From  eighty  to  a 
hundred  paces  from  this  salt  spring,  is  found  another  of  fresh 
water,  and  both  flow  from  the  same  hill.     The  missionary 


*  B'  'lis  and  similar  references  it  would  seem  tlint  a  church  had  pre vionsly  been 
established  at  Onondaga.  Fatiier  logiies,  had  prior  to  this  (vstablished  a  (thurch 
among  the  Hurons.  Tliat  nation  had  l)een  entiR'ly  subdued  by  the  Iroquois,  pre- 
vious to  Ifi.'jO,  and  the  remnant  of  the  llurons  incorporated  among  tiiem.  It  is 
l)y  no  means  improbable  that  the  converted  Ilurons,  under  the  guidance  of  some 
missionary,  and  with  the  approbation  of  the  Onondagas,  had  here  e'lblished  a 
ehurc  1  the  existence  of  which  is  lu  lo  distmctly  alluded  to. 


MISSIONS. 


151 


gives  an  account  of  the  bvirning  of  a  Cat  chikl  by  the  Onon- 
(lagas,  which  detenu 'neil  the  Father  Chaiimonot  to  preserve 
the  soul  of  the  child,  whose  I  ody  he  could  not  save.  He  then 
haptizcd  him  with  a  few  drops  of  water,  whicli  ho  retained  in 
his  handkerchief.  It  was  enough— it  furnished  a  key  for  him 
with  which  to  open  the  gate  of  heaven.  He  then  baptized 
iiim  before  he  was  burned.  He  was  two  hours  in  torture  and 
(lied  resolutely,  amidst  the  shouts  of  his  enemies. 

14th— H'uiday.  We  could  not  commence  better  than  by 
administering  the  sacrament  of  the  Holy  Mass,  which  we 
celebrated  on  a  small  altar,  in  an  oratory,  made  in  the  cabin 
of  Teotonharason,  one  of  the  women  who  came  down  to 
Quebec  with  the  ambassadors.  She  i^  here  highly  esteemed 
for  ker  nobleness  and  wealth,  but  especially  because  she  has 
openly  declared  for  the  faith,  making  a  public  profession  of 
it,  instructing  all  who  are  connected  with  her,  having  already 
eagerly  demanded  baptism  for  herself,  for  her  mother  and  her 
(laughter.  After  having  herself  e.vjilained  to  them  the  myste- 
ries of  our  religion,  anil  taught  them  its  prayers. 

About  ten  o'clock,  the  same  d;iy,  was  assigned  as  a  time 
suitable  for  making  presents.  Every  thing  being  in  readiness 
we  publicly,  on  our  knees,  recited  our  prayers,  amid  the  deep 
ilence  of  the  whole  solemn  assembly.  At  this  time,  news 
arrived  that  the  deputies  of  (Cayuga  were  entering  the 
\illage.  It  then  became  necessary  to  prepare  ourselves 
to  receive  them  suitably  to  their  rank.  The  French  made 
them  two  complimentary  presents,  and  they  answered  by  two 
others,  adding  a  ti,ird,  and  entreated  him  to  defer  the  cere- 
woiiy  until  the  following  day,  which  was  conceded. 

The  two  succeeding  chapters  of  this  narative  are  taken  up 
in  a  description  of  the  giving  and  receiving  of  presents,  which 
was  done  in  great  pomp  vith  much  ceremony,  and  in  prelirai- 
nar;-  negotiations. 

On  the  28ih  of  November,  being  the  first  Sunday  in  Advent, 
was  held  the  first  celebration  of  the  Catechism  at  Onondaga, 
m  one  of  the  principal  cabins. 
Our  chapel  being  too  small,  we  began  with  prayers,  which 


^.A 


152 


O  \  O  N  D  A  G  A . 


|1|    !         1. 


tho  assistants  roa<l  aloud  ;  then  tho  Father  explained  some 
points  of  oui*  crood,  afterwards  ho  displayed  several  images, 
m  order  to  assist  the  imagination  and  eause  devotion  to  eater 
tho  heart  through  the  eyes. 

For  about  two  months  after  this,  the  mission  seemed  to  be 
in  a  most  prosperous  condition.  Proselytes  were  contiiaially 
added  to  tho  faith,  and  the  hopes  and  anticipations  of  the 
missionaries  werc^  raised  to  the  highest  elevation.  At  lenfth 
doul)ts  and  dissensions  invaded  the  minds  of  some  of  the 
principal  imlividiials  of  the  canton,  when  it  was  resolved  that 
the  Father  Dahlon  should  proceed  to  Quebec  for  a  rcenforce- 
mont,  that  not  only  the  hearts  of  the  missionaries  should  be 
strengthened,  but  their  hands  also. 

Ilelation  of  K!')"),  '(5.  Departure  of  Pere  Claude  Dahlon, 
from  Onondaga,  and  his  return  to  Quebec : — 

We  were  in  great  trouble  about  informing  our  friends  at 
Quebec,  of  the  state  in  Avhieli  our  afi'airs  were  at  Onoiida'M. 
and  how  passionately  the  people  desired  that  our  establish- 
ment should  be  made  as  soon  as  possible.  They  gave  the  last 
evidence  of  this,  in  a  celebrated  council  held  on  the  21)th 
February,  where,  amongst  other  things,  they  said  to  the 
Father,  that  he  must  now  show  himself  out ;  that  they  had 
been  expecting  the  French  for  more  than  three  years  ;  that 
they  were  still  put  off  from  year  to  year ;  that  they  were 
weary  of  delay ;  that  if  the  matter  was  not  consummated  at  once 
it  need  be  no  more  thought  of,  and  that  they  would  break  off 
entirely,  since  the  French  were  so  dilatory.  They  added, 
moi'eover,  that  they  knew  well  tluit  it  was  not  trade  that 
caused  the  French  to  come  among  them,  but  only  the  faith 
which  we  wished  to  publish  to  them.  Why  do  you  not  come 
at  once,  said  they,  since  you  see  all  our  village  embrace  it? 
We  have  not  ceased  all  this  winter  to  go  in  crowds  to  the  cha- 
pel, to  pray  and  be  instructed.  You  liave  been  cordially  wel- 
comed in  all  our  cabins,  when  you  have  visited  them  to  teach. 
You  cannot  doubt  our  dispositions,  since  "we  have  made  you 
so  solemn  a  present,  with  protestations  so  public,  that  we  are 
believers.     They  added  many  other  things,  declarative  of  their 


MISSIONS. 


153 


scntimonta  on  this  suljoct,  in  wliioh  cortainly  tlic  providence 
of  (ioil  is  most  !i(liiiir:il)ly  mimilVstcd,  in  disposing  a  j)oo[)lc  to 
sock  Jlim,  who  hut  a  littlo  whih*  hcl'oi-o  woro  tho  groiitcst  per- 
secutors of  his  Church.  And  what  appours  inconooivuhlo  is, 
tliiit  thcsL'  good  pooplo,  who  show  so  much  oagcrnosa  to  have 
us  roiiiain  among  thoni,  cannot  comprehend  how  it  is,  or 
wlu'iicc  comes  this  great  desire,  ahnost  in  s[)ito  of  tliemsclvcs. 
Tlicy  urge  our  estnMishment  in  the  country,  and  com])hiin  of 
mo  iinothcr  for  inviting  us  to  come.  Tlie  old  mp?i  say  they 
cannot  oppose  tho  youth  who  ask  for  the  L'roncli.  The  youth 
say  that  the  old  men  wisli  to  ruin  all  their  country  in  calling 
m  thither  ;  and  with  all  this,  hoth  parties  cease  not  to  add  en- 
treaty to  (mtreaty,  and  threaten  to  hecome  our  enemies,  un- 
less ■•'0  forthwith  become  their  compatriots. 

This  especially  caused  us  to  seek  all  possible  means  to  make 
kiionn  their  dispo.Mtions  at  (^lebec,  and  to  hasten  tho  coming 
of  till'  French,  for  fear  of  losing  so  favorable  an  opf)ortunity. 
No  otie,  after  all,  would  undertake!  to  guide  any  of  us  back  to 
Quebec,  for  fear  of  losing  the  searon  of  providing  beaver  and 
provisions  for  the  year  ;  lor  it  was  the  time  when  all  the  youth 
•j(!t  out  for  the  hunt.  Wo  were  in  despaii'  of  prrformlng  the 
journey,  although  it  Avas  absolutely  neeessaiT  for  the  j)re6er- 
vation  and  advancement  of  our  establishment.  It  was  already 
Dioro  than  two  months  that  avo  ha.l  been  nring  every  device  to 
la-ing  it  about,  but  in  vain.  At  last  we  determined  upoTi  say- 
ing nine  masses  to  St.  Jolm  the  Jiaptist,  the  patron  of  this 
mission,  in  order  to  obtain  light  in  a  business  where  all  was 
dark  to  us. 

Behold  how  contrary  to  our  expectations  and  to  all  human 
appearance,  without  knowing  how  it  Avas  done,  or  by  whom  ; 
immediately  after  the  ninth  mass,  I  set  out  from  Onondaga, 
accompanied  by  tAvo  of  the  principal  young  men  of  the  vil- 
lage, and  by  several  others,  Avhom  doubtless  St.  John  inspired 
to  engage  in  this  enterprise  and  journey.  Thus  the  chief  of 
tho  escort  Avas  named  St.  Jean  Baptisto,  he  being  tho  first 
adult  of  the  Iroquois,  liaptised  in  full  health. 

It  was  about  nine  o'clock,  on  the  2d  day  of  March,  after 

•JO 


''1 


li'l     ' 


f 


I  'I  h' 


5  *' 


U-MitJjfl' 


154 


ONONDAGA. 


having  celubrated  holy  mass,  and  bid  my  adieu  to  the  country, 
by  the  baptism  of  a  child,  whom  I  confessed  before  my  de- 
parture, that  we  fc-et  out.  We  made  five  leagues  this  first  day, 
during  which  the  weather  was  mild  and  spring  like.  How- 
ever, at  evening  it  changed  to  rain,  with  cold,  which  obhged 
us  to  spend  one  day  and  two  nights  in  the  midst  of  a  wood, 
in  a  house  without  doors  or  windows  or  walls. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  after  a  journey  of  about  six  leagues, 
we  encamped  on  the  bank  of  the  lake  which  terminates  at 
Techiroguen.  This  day  was  very  wearisome,  having  encoun- 
tered snow  or  water  most  of  the  way  up  to  our  knees. 

We  passed  another  day  and  two  nights  at  this  place  by  the 
lake,  which  we  expected  to  have  crossed  on  the  ice,  but  could 
not  on  account  of  the  thaw.  We  knew  by  the  cold  of  the 
last  night,  that  the  passage  Avould  soon  be  free  and  the  bridge 
solid.  In  fact  we  traveled  a  league  and  a  half  over  the  ice, 
after  which  it  was  a  pleasure  to  walk  softly  over  the  snow. 
We  were  ol)liged  to  go  very  deep  into  the  Avater,  in  order  to 
cross  a  small  rivulet,  which  had  resisted  the  violence  of  the 
cold. 

On  the  7th  of  jMarch,  after  a  slight  rest,  we  set  forth  in 
the  morning,  and  marched  till  evening  Avithout  taking  any- 
thing. We  could  not  arrive  at  Oeiatonneheugue*  before  the 
morrow,  a  little  after  midday.  We  hoped  to  have  embarked 
upon  the  great  lake,  although  it  was  not  frozen  ;  all  the  banks 
were  so  filled  with  large  piles  of  snow  and  huge  pieces  of  ice, 
that  it  was  not  safe  to  approach  it.  We  made  two  leagues 
over  the  beautiful  beach,  and  after  having  chased  an  incredi- 
ble number  of  otters,  who  make  their  abode  there  during 
winter  in  a  little  swamp,  we  made  our  exit  for  the  night. 

The  9th  was  extremely  tedious  to  us.  We  walked  over  a 
frozen  swamp,  but  with  our  feet  always  in  the  water,  because 
the  morning  rain  was  not  yet  frozen.  We  came  at  last  to  a  fine 
sand  upon  the  shore  of  the  great  lake,  but  were  stopped  in 
our  course  by  a  deep  river,  the  ice  of  which  was  not  strong 


*  Villaye  tit-ar  Fort  Ontario. 


MISSIONS. 


166 


enough  to  bear  us.  We  sought  all  means  to  pass  it  without 
avail ;  our  people  halted  to  consult  what  to  do.  They  passed 
more  than  three  hours  trembling  with  cold,  rather  than  con- 
sulting. The  result  was  in  part,  to  retrace  our  steps  and  seek 
a,  place  suitable  to  pass  the  night.  We  then  crossed  another 
stream,  with  the  same  inconvenience  as  in  the  morning,  but 
^Yith  this  difference,  that  we  were  drenched  by  a  heavy  rain, 
which  finally  compelled  us  to  shelter  ourselves  under  barks. 
Next  day  we  ascended  a  league  above  the  mouth  of  the  river 
which  had  stopped  us.  We  were  rejoiced  to  find  it  frozen 
strong  enough  to  cross  over  it.  But,  oh,  my  Grod,  what  diffi- 
culty to  regain  our  route  ;  we  had  to  cross  a  vast  meadow  co- 
vered with  water,  amidst  water  and  half  melted  snows,  throufrh 
woods  and  swamps ;  and  after  having  surmounted  these  diffi- 
culties, we  had  to  wade  several  streams  in  our  way.  At  last, 
having  journeyed  all  the  day,  we  found  at  evening  that  avc  had 
advanced  only  three  leagues  on  our  route. 

We  marched  nearly  all  of  the  eleventh  day  upon  the  ice  of 
tlie  great  lake,  bat  with  our  feet  always  in  tlie  Avator,  be- 
cause of  the  thaw,  wliich  made  our  w^alking  dangerous.  Se- 
veral times  the  ice  gave  way  under  us,  and  some  of  the  bold- 
est had  to  walk  before  us,  to  prove  that  which  was  strong,  and 
that  which  was  weak. 

The  remaining  portion  of  this  chapter  relates  the  ordinary 
incidents  of  travel,  in  perilous  iourneys,  from  Onondaga  to 
Quebec. 

Finally,  on  the  oOtli  of  IMnrch,  we  arrived  at  Montreal, 
having  set  out  from  Onondaga  on  the  2d.  Our  hearts  here 
felt  the  joy,  which  pilgrims  feel  when  they  arrive  in  their 
own  country.  God  having  preserved  us  in  so  remarkable  a 
manner  through  so  dangerous  a  voyage,  shows  that  he  watches, 
more  than  we  can  imagine,  over  the  salvation  of  the  Irocj[uois. 
May  He  be  blessed  for  it  forever. 

You  will  remark,  in  passing,  that  letters  have  been  received 
in  Quebec,  by  the  last  vessel,  stating  that  Father  Claude  Dab- 
Ion,  Avhose  journal  we  have  just  seen,  has  returned  to  Onon- 
daga with  l^'ather  Le  Mcrcier,  the  superior  of  this  mission, 


156 


ONONDAGA, 


Father  Eene  Mesnard,  Father  Jaques  Fremin,  Brother  Am- 
brose Broar,  and  Brother  Bourzier,  who  all  go  to  join  Father 
Joseph  Chaumonot,  who  remained  in  the  country  of  the  Iro- 
quois.    They  are  escorted  by  fifty  bravo  Frenchmen,  who 
have  already  commenced  a  good  settlement  in  the  midst  of  all 
those  nations.     We  shall  sec  the  success  next  year,  God  as- 
sisting.    The  Fathers  require  evangelical  laborers,  and  the 
assistance  of  the  prayers  of  all  those  who  wish  for  the  salva- 
tion of  their  people.     As  the  expenses,  which  must  bo  made 
in  order  to  sustain  such  an  enterprise,  are  very  great,  if  those 
who  profess  to  contribute  for  the  conversion  of  the  savages, 
would  sustain  this  mission,  they  would  do  God  great  service! 
We  have  baptized  at  diflferent  times,  in  sundry  places,  more 
than  four  hundred  and  fifty  savages  of  all  ages,  notwithstand- 
ing the  troubles  and  obstacles  of  the  wars  in  which  they  are 
engaged.     If  we  can  sustain  preachers  of  the  gospel  in  these 
countries,  whicli  I  shall  call  the  country  of  martyrs,  many 
more  will  bo  baptized.     Let  it  bo  done !     Let  it  be  done  ! 

Wo  set  out  from  Quebec,  17th  of  May,  1750.     Our  force 
was  composed  of  four  nations,  French,  Unondagas,  Seiiecas, 
who  had  come  to  seek  our  alliance,  and  a  few  llurons.     We 
tilled  a  few  shallops  and  several  canoes.     Departing  from  the 
port,  we  were  cheered  by  the  acclamations  of  many  different 
people,  who  crowded  the  shore,  all  regarding  us  with  an  eye 
of  compassion,  and  trembling  hearts,  thinking  us  so  many 
victims,  destined  to  tlic  ilames,  and  to  the  rage  and  tortures 
of  the  Iroquois.     This  misfortune  had  nearly 'happened  to  us 
on  the  morrow.     After  our  departure,  our  shallops  having 
cast  anchor  about  twelve   leagues  above  Quebec,  near  a  place 
called  the  point  of  St.  Croix,  we  resolved  to  descend  thither 
the  next  morning  and  celebrate  holy  mass.     Our  sailors  for- 
getting this  resolution,  raised  anchor  during    the  day,  and 
caused  us  to  pursue  our  journey.     Our  danger  was  very^rreat, 
there  being  in  this  place  three  hundred  Mohawks,  who  could 
easily  have  captured  us  without  fighting,  since  our  men  had 
disembarked  without  arms,  supposing  these  traitors  had  retired 
to  their  own  country,  as  they  had  informed  our  French  they 


1   M 


MISSIONS. 


157 


we 


would.  It  was  at  Lake  St.  Pierre,  about  Three  Rivers,  that 
incurred  this  danger,  without  knowing  it,  these  barbarians  not 
showing  tliemselves,  although  they  had  narrowly  watched  us. 
They  threw  themselves  upon  some  of  our  canoes,  which  were 
separated  from  us,  and  upset  one  in  the  river,  slightly  wounded 
one  of  our  brothers  with  two  gun  shots.  They  bound  and 
gagged  the  Ilurons  in  our  company,  and  ill-treated  the  Onon- 
dagas,  being  unwilling  they  should  form  an  allitmce  with  us. 
But  the  fear  of  provoking  a  war  with  the  Onondagas,  who 
showed  on  this  occasion  a  proper  resentment,  quieted  their 
wrath,  and  obliged  them  to  render  excuses.  They  said  thev 
believed  our  canoes  were  filled  only  with  Ilurons,  with  whom 
they  have  no  peace.  After  this,  they  set  every  one  at  liberty, 
not  excepting  the  Ilurons.  Those  who  escaped  at  the  beginning 
of  the  contest,  by  running  through  the  woods  and  coming  to 
our  shallops,  advised  us  of  what  was  passing.  Having  arrived 
at  the  Three  Rivers,  on  the  20th  of  May,  we  left  there  on 
the  29th,  and  on  the  31st  entered  into  the  Montreal  settle- 
ment, whence  we  departed  in  canoes  on  the  1st  of  June,  for 
the  village  of  the  Ononda<'as. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  we  embarked  in  twenty  canoes— the 
shallops  being  no  longer  of  service  beyond  Montreal,  on  ac- 
count of  the  rapids  above  that  settlement.  We  had  scarcely 
})roceedod  two  leagues,  before  a  band  of  Mohawks,  having  per- 
ceived us  at  a  great  distance,  and  taken  us  for  Algonkins  and 
Ilurons,  cast  tliemselves  panic-stricken  into  the  woods ;  but 
having  recognized  us  by  our  flag,  on  which  was  the  name 
"Jesus,"  painted  in  large  letters,  on  beautiful  white  cloth, 
flying  in  the  air,  they  came  forward  and  accosted  us.  The 
Onondagas  received  them  with  a  thousand  curses,  reproached 
them  with  treason  and  robbery,  and  seizing  upon  their  canoes, 
took  their  arras  and  whatever  was  best  of  their  equipments, 
making  reprisals  for  having  tliemselves  been  pillaged  a  fcAv 
(lays  before,  by  this  same  i.eoplo.  ^I^his  was  all  the  consola- 
tion these  poor  wretches  obtained,  for  having  come  to  sa- 
lute us. 

On  the  r)th  and  Gth  of  July,  wv  caught  some  fish,  but  in 


rrfui 


■*  fi 


111 


■mn 


fid^ 


158 


ONONDAGA, 


;  t 


such  small  quantities,  that  it  made  but  a  small  allowance  for 
fifty  men. 

On  the  7th,  we  arrived  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  evenincr,  at 
the  mouth  of  the  river,  which  flows  from  the  Lake  Genentt'ha 
on  the  banks  of  which,  we  proceeded  to  erect  a  dwelling  place 
for  the  niglit.     The  next  day  we  found  currents  of  water  so 
rapid,  that  it  required  all  our  force  to  surmount  them.     I  con- 
fess, that  the  faces  of  most  of  us  were  haggard  and  worn, 
and  we  felt  downcast  and  discouraged.     Before  lying  down 
in  the  evening,  we  had  only  a  drop  of  brandy  to  distribute 
among  our  company.      In  the  morning,  we  had  to  set  forth, 
and  continued  all  day,  striving  against  breakers  Avhich  threw 
us  back,  almost  as  far  as  we  advanced.     In  fact  we  only  made 
one  league  this  day,  part  of  our  people  falling  sick,  and  the 
rest  losing  their  courage  with  their  strength.     The  providence 
Of^  God  is  wonderful;    He  casts  down,  and  He  raises  up;  for 
being  in  the  greatest  distress  and  in  extreme  need,  we  s'aw  a 
canoe  in  the  distance,  laden  with  provisions,  which  seemed  to 
fly  towards  us,  rather  than  to  be  rowed.     1'his  sight  cured  all 
our  sick  ;    our  strength  returned  by  beholding  this  precious 
sight ;  our  weary  would  not  wait  to  take  rest,  and  tlie  very 
prospect  of  this  boon  restored  us  to  joy  and  health.      We 
joyfully  disembarked,  and  the  master  of  the  convoy,  after  a 
few  compliments,  presented  us,  from  Father  Chaumonot,  with 
sacks  of  Indian  corn,  and  large  fresh  cooked  salmon.      This 
little  canoe  was  followed  by  two  other  larger  ones,  as  well 
filled  S.S  the  first.     We  returned  thanks  to  God  for  having 
granted  us  a  meal  of  which  we  were  so  much  in  need.    We 
flourished  our  kettles  in   the  air  by  way  of  rejoicing.     One 
fine  day  effaces  the  memories  of  ten  evil  ones.     Of  our  des- 
perate famire,  nothing  now  remained,  only  the  glory  of  Lav- 
ing suffered  something  for  our  Lord,  who  thus  turns  our  trials 
to  His  glory.  He  made  us  there  experience  the  truth  of  His  pro- 
mises, giving  us  an  abundance,  a  hundred  fold  greater  than  the 
famine  we  had  endured  in  His  service,  had  been  afflicting.    J 
might  say,  that  He  sent  back  the  fish  into  the  rivers  express- 


MISSIONS, 


159 


1  allowance  for 

;he  evening,  at 
ke  Genentaha, 
dwelling  place 
its  of  water  so 
them.  I  con- 
rd  and  worn, 
re  lying  down 
y  to  distribute 
d  to  set  forth, 
3  which  threw 
we  only  made 

sick,  and  the 
he  providence 
■aises  up ;  for 
ecd,  we  saw  a 
ioh  seemed  to 
sight  cured  all 
this  precious 
iind  the  very 
health.      We 
ivoy,  after  a 
-umonot,  M'itli 
hmn.      This 
ones,  as  well 
I  for  having 
1  need.     We 
)icing.     One 

Of  our  des- 
flory  of  Lav- 
'ns  our  trials 
;h  of  His  pro- 
ater  than  the 
xfflicting.  I 
^ers  express- 


ly for  us,  one  of  our  men  having  taken  twenty  large  salmon 
in  one  night,  and  several  '' barbues:' 

On  the  10th  of  the  same  month  of  July,  passing  a  sault 
about  five  leagues  in  extent,  our  people  took,  whilst  journey- 
ing, thirty-four  salmon,  spearing  them  with  their  swords,  and 
striking  them  with  their  oars.  They  were  so  numerous  that 
we  could  strike  them  Avithout  difficulty.  In  the  evening,  we 
found  at  the  place  where  we  intended  to  pass  the  night,  'one 
of  the  first  chieftains  of  the  Onondagas  awaiting  us,  who  re- 
ceived us  with  a  fine  oration,  in  which  he  testified  of  the  joy 
his  countrymen  felt  on  our  arrival.  That  all  the  Five  Nations 
were  possessed  of  the  same  sentiments.  That  all  the  old  men 
awaited  us  with  impatience. 

On  the  11th  of  July,  ofc  three  o'clock,  wo  found  our- 
selves entering  the  Lake  Genentaha,  on  whose  shores  we  had 
destined  to  pitch  our  camp,  wlien  the  old  men,  knowing  it  to 
l)e  the  place  selected  by  Fathei-s  Chaumonot  and  Dablon, 
awaited  us  with  a  great  multitude  or  people. 

The  size  of  this  lake  is  two  leagues  long  and  half  a  league 
ill  width.  We  have  remarked  three  things  of  importance. 
The  first  is,  that  several  salt  springs  are  formed  upon  the 
eastern  side,  although  this  lake  is  far  distant  from  tlie  sea. 
There  are  such  however  in  Lorraine,  but  do  not  think  that 
salt  could  be  made  as  easily  thc;'e.  For  we  find  salt  ready 
made  ui)on  the  ground  about  these  springs,  and  it  is  readily 
deposited  when  the  water  is  boiled. 

The  second  matter  of  observation  is,  that  in  spring  there 
gather  around  these  salt  fountains  so  great  a  quantity  of  pi- 
geons that  thousands  are  caught  in  a  mornino-. 

The  third  subject  of  remark  is,  that  there  are  found  here 
certain  serpents,  unseen  elsewhere,  which  we  call  "  Serj^ent  a 
minetfes,"  (rattle-snakes,)  because  in  creeping  they  make  a 
noise,  like  a  locust  or  grasshopper,  ("  Sautcrceller)  They  bear 
at  the  end  of  their  tails,  certain  round  scales  connected  with 
each  other  in  such  a  manner  that  a  simple  motion  produces 
this  peculiar  noise,  whicli  can  bo  lioard  twenty  paces  off.  These 
rattles  continue  to  make  a  noise  after  the  death  of  the  ser- 


m 


vm 


i  . 


160 


O  N  O  N  D  A  G  A . 


pent,  though  not  so  great  as  when  alive.  The  inhabitants  of 
the  country  say,  tliat  the  scales  are  an  antidote  to  the  poison. 
which  is  very  virulent.  The  flesh  is  said  to  be  as  well  tasted 
as  that  of  the  eel,  and  is  elTicacious  in  fevers ;  the  flesh  is 
much  used  for  food.  Its  body  is  about  three  feet  long,  larger 
than  a  man's  wrist,  and  marked  t)ver  the  back  with  dark  and 
yellow  spoty,  except  the  tail,  which  is  nearly  black.  It  has 
four  teeth,  two  above  and  two  below,  long  and  sharp  like 
needles.  They  bite  like  a  dog,  and  cause  the  venom  to  flow 
into  the  bite  through  a  little  black  spur,  which  they  draw  out 
of  a  sack  in  which  the  poison  is  enclosed.  The  person  bitten 
presently  swells,  and  dies  after  a  peculiar  manner.  We  know 
not  whether  they  are  attracted  by  the  salt,  but  this  Ave  know, 
that  at  our  residence,  surrounded  by  springs  of  fresh  water. 
we  are  not  troubled  Avith  them. 

"Relation"  1656,  '7,  by  Pere  Paul  Le  Jeune.  Our  arri- 
val at  the  place  destined  for  our  abode,  and  the  reception  w( 
met  with  from  the  people  of  the  country : — 

I  have  said,  in  a  former  chapter,  that  on  the  11th  of  July 
we  entered  the  Lake  Gcnentalia,  on  Avhose  banks  we  prepared 
our  abode,  having  advanced  Avithin  a  quarter  of  a  league  of 
this  place.  We  disembarked  five  pieces  of  cannon,  wliose 
diminutive  thunder  rolled  over  the  waters  of  the  lake ;  tliif 
was  followed  by  a  discharge  of  all  our  arquebuses.  This  wai- 
the  first  salute  Avhich  ^vo  had  sent  throuaih  the  Avater,  the  air 
and  the  Avoods  to  the  ancients  of  the  country,  who  had  ex- 
pected us,  Avith  a  great  multitude  of  people.  This  souml 
boomed  over  the  Avaters,  burst  forth  loudly  in  the  air,  and  re- 
.sounded  very  agreeably  in  the  forest.  We  sailed  aftcrwanln  in 
beautiful  order,  our  canoes  or  little  bateaux  going  four  by  foiii' 
over  this  small  lake.  Our  French  made  a  second  (h.^charw 
upon  coming  in  sight,  Avith  a  grace  which  highly  delighted  all 
these  poor  people. 

The  chiefs  had  erected  two  scafibhls,  in  order  properly  to 
make  us  a  complimentary  harangue,  but  their  purpose  was 
interrupted  by  a  heaA'y  rain,  Avhich  obliged  us  all  to  seek  sliel' 
ler.     Words  Avere  then  exchanged  for  endearments,  and  inu- 


MISSIONS. 


161 


tual  testimonies  of  joy.  If  these  poor  savages  welcomed  us 
so  earnestly,  showing  in  their  countenances  and  gestures  the 
sentiments  of  their  hearts  all  overflowing  with  tenderness  for 
us,  our  actions  corresponded  to  their  love,  so  that  in  all  our 
joys  and  reciprocal  affection,  we  blessed  God  for  having  pre- 
served us  through  so  many  dangers  and  fatigues,  at  last  con- 
ducting U8  to  the  end  of  our  pilgrimage. 

It  is  a  custom  with  these  people,  to  entertain  their  guests 
during  a  part  of  the  night,  either  with  compliments  or  con- 
versation, about  the  advantages  of  the  country.  They  excel 
in  politeness  after  their  fashion,  or  else  by  their  usual  songs 
and  dances  continue  their  favors.  But  finding  us  weary  with 
the  fatigue  of  so  long  a  journey,  they  said  they  would  return, 
for  fear  their  conversation  might  disturb  our  rest,  which  they 
said  they  would  propitiate  by  singing  around  our  cabins  their 
sweetest  and  most  melodious  airs  for  our  lullaby. 

Next  morning,  the  12th  of  July,  we  sang  the  Te  Deum  in 
thanksgiving  to  God  for  our  happy  arrival,  and  formally  took 
possession,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  dedicating  and  con- 
secrating it  by  the  holy  sacrament  of  the  mass. 

The  Christians  afterwards  made  us  some  presents  to  felici- 
tate our  arrival,  and  in  token  of  their  good  wishes  for  our  fa- 
vorable establishment. 

On  Sunday  following,  the  16th  of  the  same  month,  we  ful- 
filled a  vow  which  we  ha<l  made  during  the  dangers  of  our  voy- 
age, promising  God  to  commune  altogether  if  He  woulrl  fa- 
vor our  meeting  in  the  country  of  our  clioicc.  Having  ob- 
tained this  favor,  all  our  French  received  the  sacred  bread  in 
a  holy  mass.  It  was  here  that  we  first  displayed  all  our  or- 
naments, which  though  poor  in  France,  were  here  considered 
magnificent. 

On  Monday,  the  17th,  we  commenced  work  in  earnest  upon 
our  dwellings,  and  to  make  a  good  redoubt*  for  our  soldiers. 


*T!ie  location  of  tliis  loitiiicution  Wiis  probaiily  about  tliree-fhiirths  of  a  mile 
below  Green  Point.on  the  farm  iiovvocuupi,.,!  by  Jlr.  Myriek  Bradley,  in  the  town 
of  Salina,  where  the  enibnnKinent  and  i,ut;iucs\\  ere  plain  to  ixt 
ago.    (See  drawing,  town  of  Salina.) 

21 


^een  fil'ty  years 


Hffi 

F 

MRilff 

1; 

1    t' 

w 

, » 

H|i  1 

*- 

f' 

162 


ONONDAGA. 


?'   , 


We  have  placed  it  upon  an  eminence  which  commands  the 
lake  and  all  the  surrounding  positions.     Springs  of  fresh 
water  are  abundant.     In  short,  the  place  appears  as  beauti- 
ful, as  convenient  and  advantageous  as  we  could  desire.  While 
the  laborers  are  thus  occupied,  our  Father  Superior,  to  whom 
the  Lord  had  rcstv^r-id  health,  went  with  sixteen  of  our  most 
stalwart   soldiers  to   ilie  village  of  Onondaga,  distant  about 
four  leagues  from  our  dwelling.     The  people  being  apprised 
of  the  coming  of  the  French,  came  forth  in  crowds  to  meet 
us.     At  about  a  quarter  of  a  league  from  the  village,  several 
chiefs  invited  us  to  halt,  take  breath  and  listen  to  a  poHte  ha- 
rangue, in  Avhich  Ave  were  highly  complimented,  by  one  of  the 
principal  chiefs  of  the  country,  who  afterwards,  marching  be- 
fore us,  caused  us  to  pass  through  a  great  crowd  arranged  like 
a  hedge  on  both  sides.     We  followed  him  in  beautiful  order, 
while  another  captain  behind  prevented  the  lines  from  press- 
ing too  closely  upon  us.     Our  soldiers,  upon  entering  the  vil- 
lage, made  a  graceful  salute,  Avhich  greatly  delighted  all  the 
spectators.     We  were  conducted  into  the  cabin  of  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  captains  of  the  country,  Avhere  every  thing 
was  sumptuously  prepared,  after  their  fashion,  to  receive  us. 
From  all  (juarters  they  brought  us  fruits ;  feasting  Avas  tlie 
order  of  tlie  day,  and  for  ten  days  the  people  of  the  village 
Avere  engaged  in  hunting  and  fishing,  and  entertaining  the 
French.     Every  family  seemed  anxious  to  have  us  in  their  so- 
ciety.    Soon  after,  another  party  of  the  French,  in  full  uni- 
form, arrived  Avith  drums  beating ;  there  Avere  never  seen  so 
many  pleasant  faces.     It  appeared  that  the  hearts  of  the  sava- 
ges issued  from  their  eyes.     I  knoAv  not  hoAv  Ave  can  avcU  ex- 
press the  many  testimonies  of  love  and  cordiality  Avhicli  they 
gave  us.     If  they  should  change  their  minds  and  massacre  us, 
I  should  not  accuse  them  of  deceit,  but  of  levity  and  incon- 
stancy, which  in  a  little  time  can  cliange  the  love  of  these 
barbarians  into  hatred,  fear  and  treachery,  and  thus  these  de- 
vils seek  to  destroy  us.     But  if  these  men  do  persecute  the 
Jesuits  in  various  places,  those  dear  unfortunate  spirits,  against 
Avhom  they  every  Avhere  declare  AVar,  will  jiot  spare  them. 


MISSIONS. 


163 


On  the  (lay  of  our  entrance,  the  deputies  of  several  nations 
came  to  salute  us,  and  to  show  us  the  esteem  in  which  the  On- 
nndagas  liekl  "  Achiendase."  They  sent  a  present,  asking  that 
his  mat  shouhl  be  the  place  of  assembly,  that  is  to  say,  the 
council-house  of  the  country,  in  which  all  public  business  is 
.lispatched.  The  Onondagas  made  us  their  presents  with 
;,'reat  cordiality. 

The  Mohawks,  not  being  able  to  evade  the  common  law  of 
the  country,  came  very  reluctantly  indeed  to  make  their  pre- 
sents, but  fearing  they  had  the  worst  of  the  game,  and  dis- 
liking our  alliance  with  the  Onondagas,  they  made  a  harangue 
full  of  sneers  and  ridicule  against  the  French.  They  wish- 
ing to  excuse  themselves,  because  having  received  presents 
from  Quebec  for  all  the  Iroquois  nations,  they  said  the  French 
hud  been  so  stupid  as  to  give  them  articles  which  could  not  bo 
(livitlcd,  s6  they  had  been  obliged  to  give  all  the  presents  to 
their  own  nation.  The  Father  Superior  replied  to  their  impo- 
sition with  so  much  earnestness,  that  they  soon  repented  of 
their  false  assertions.  He  told  them  that  memory  never  fail- 
ed the  French,  who  held  the  pen  in  their  hand,  and  that  if 
;inv  thing  escaped  their  mind,  their  paper  would  suggest  it  at 
need. 

He  afterwards  related  all  that  had  been  transacted  at  the 
council  of  the  French  and  Onondagas,  enumerated  all  the 
beaded  belts,  the  artpiebuses  and  capotes ;  in  short,  all  the  pre- 
sents which  had  been  made  by  the  great  chief  of  the  French, 
lie  named  the  nations,  and  even  the  persons  of  note,  to  whom 
each  present  had  been  destined.  Then  with  an  air  confound- 
ing to  the  Mohawk  brave,  he  asked,  could  not  these  things  be 
given  separat  ,ly  ?  lie  iniiuired  of  the  deputies  of  the  seve- 
ral nations,  whether  at  least  the  mention  of  these  presents 
had  been  made  in  their  country,  since  the  Mohawks  confessed 
to  have  withheld  them. 

This  deluded  man,  who  only  thought  we  could  stammer  in 
their  tongue,  like  Europeans  who  trade  with  them,  was  so 
much  surprised  at  hearing  the  French,  that  he  has  since 
sought  by  all  means,  to  gain  our  good  will.     After  this  assem- 


I'    'n4 


;  m 


164 


ONONDAf^A. 


'  i; 


bly,  we  wero  employed  several  days  in  gaining  over  the  dif. 
ferent  nations,  wlio  wore  at  Onondaga,  and  who  every  day 
camo  there  to  decide,  or  be  present  at  tlio  decision  of  State 
affairs,  and  at  the  great  council  of  Avar,  which  is  usually  held 
at  this  villngt!. 

The  deputies  from  the  Sonecas  and  Cayugas  having  arrived 
we  went  to  salutt  them.  They  first  e.\hil»itc'd  their  mourninf 
for  one  of  their  cliiefs,  siain  by  the  Mohawks  at  Three  Kiv- 
ers.  They  filled  the  air  with  mournful  howls,  dismal  indeed, 
We  made  them  a  present  to  console  their  grief,  but  when  thev 
answered,  the  Cayugas  took  the  word  and  said,  that  the  wound 
of  the  Senecas,  had  changed  their  joy  into  tears,  and  their 
voices  into  sighs  and  songs  of  mourning.  All  the  nations 
being  assembled,  it  as  as  necessary  before  holding  council,  to 
purify  the  village,  on  account  of  the  death  of  a  chief  the 
night  before,  who  by  great  good  luck  for  him,  had  received 
the  holy  bai)ti3m,  with  pious  instruction,  forty-eight  hours 
previously.  The  purification  was  made  by  two  presents,  one 
of  which  served  to  dry  the  tears  »f  the  Onondagas,  and  to 
restore  to  them  the  speech  of  which  this  death  had  deprived 
them.  The  other,  to  wipe  away  the  blood,  Avhich  might  have 
fallen  from  the  dead  body  upon  the  council- mat.  The  Onon- 
dagas replied  by  two  other  presents;  one  to  say,  that  they  were 
about  to  buiy  the  body,  and  the  other,  to  announce  that  ihe 
council  would  afterwards  be  opened. 

This  people  had  convoked  all  the  states  of  the  country,  or 
rather  the  allied  nations,  to  reconcile  the  INIokawks  with  the 
Senecas,  who  were  on  the  point  of  commencing  a  war,  for 
the  death  of  the  captain  of  whom  we  have  spoken  ;  to  treat 
of  our  establishment,  in  the  heart  of  their  country,  and  to  invite 
all  these  people,  to  place  something  in  the  great  Wiir-kcttle. 
That  is  to  say,  to  advise  upon  the  means  ol  attacking  and 
defeating  their  enemies,  and  of  providing  for  some  common 
expenses.  Such  were  the  designs  of  these  people,  but  God, 
had  higher  purposes ;  he  Avilled  himself  to  be  preached  and 
announced  in  an  assembly  of  the  most  notable  and  numerous 
nations,  which  caa  be  named  in  this  country. 


MISSIONS. 


165 


-vinfT  arrived 


This  grftnd  council,  was  hekl  on  the  24th  day  of  July,  when 

;tll  the  nations  referred  to  Achicndase  the  cause  of  the  Mo- 
liiiwks  iuid  8enccas,  which  was  very  soon  terminated.  They 
afterwards  agreed,  with  evidences  of  extraordinary  good  will, 
that  wc  should  remain  and  permanently  establiah  ourselves  in 
the  country.  Finiilly  every  one  put  his  presents  into  the  war- 
kettle.  Now  these  people  being  great  orators,  and  often  using 
itllegorics  and  metaphovH,  our  Fathers,  in  order  to  attract 
;hem  t'  (rod,  adapt  tluiuselves  to  their  custom  of  speaking, 
v.liicli  delights  them  vei  v  Tnuch,  seeing  avo  succeed  as  well  as 
they. 

We  have  so  well  arranged  our  presents,  that  they  are  won- 
derfully captivating.      But  Father  Chaumonot,  who  speaka 
the  Iroc^uois  language  as  well  xs  the  natives  of  the  country, 
,n'eatly  cidianced  their  value  by  interpreting  them.     It  may 
not  be  improper  to  remark  in  passing,  that  these  presents  con- 
sist of  porcelain  beads,  arquebuses,    powder,  capotes,  axes, 
kettles  and   similar   utensils,  which  are  bought  of  the  mer- 
chants for  beaver  skins,  tlie  money  demanded  in  payment  for 
their  merchandize.     If  a  Jesuit  receives  or  collects  some  of 
these,  to  aid  in  the  immense  expenses  made  in  such  distant 
missions,  in  order  to  gain  these  people  to  Jesus  Christ  and  to 
incline  them  to  peace,  it  would  be  desirable,  that  those  who 
should  be  at  such  expense  for  the  preservation  of  the  country, 
>lioiild  not  at  least  be  the  first  to  condemn  the  zeal  of  these 
Fatliers,  and  make  them  blacker  than   their  own  robes,  by 
scandal.     They  should  leave  this  sort  of  reviling  to  the  low 
populace,  always  ill  informed  of  what  is  going  on,  whose  igno- 
vanco  is  a  sufficient  excuse  for  calumny.     But  let  us  act  well 
and  leave  evil  speakers  to  themselves,  since  calumny  alone, 
'vill  make  cemc>  ■    for  virtue.      They  have  written  us  from 
France,  that  they  could  no  longer  continue  the  great  expenses 
which  we  incur  in  these  new  enterprises.     We  give  our  labors, 
our  sweat,  our  blood  and  our  lives,  to  them.     For  want  of 
assistance,  wc  shall  be  compelled,  to  relinquish  a  station  so 
advautagous  to  the  faith,  and  the  preservation  of  the  country. 


J:?     » 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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i'hote)graphic 

Sdences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


5 


166 


ONONDAGA. 


J*!  'it'".-  „. 


Those  who  persecute  us  will  not  be  the  richer,  and  God  will 
be  less  glorified. 

Let  us  turn  again  to  the  presents. 
^  The  Father  Joseph  Chaumonot,  afterwards  rising,  explained 
eight  or  ten  presents,  made  to  soften  the  regret  for  the  death 
of  several  chieftains,  and  to  cause  a  revival  of  the  faith  in  the 
bosoms  of  the  children  and  friends,  of  some  of  our  most  de- 
voted Christians,  men  and  women,  who  had  lately  passed  from 
earth  to  heaven.     He  united  the  Algonkins  and  Hurons  in 
his  presence,  so  as  to  make  but  one  heart,  one  mind,  and  one 
people,^  of  all  those  nations.     He  savl  aloud  that  Onondaga, 
being  like  the  parliament  of  the  whole  country,  and  Agoch- 
iendaguete  being  the  most  renowned  chief  in  all  these  countries, 
Achiendase,as  the  mouth  of  Onnontio,  joined  himself  to  Agocli- 
iendaguete,  (forming  a  union  of  tAvo  governments,)  that  he 
might  assist  him  to  rebuild  the  fallen  houses,  to  resuscitate  the 
dead,  to  sustain  what  was  in  good  order,  and  to  defend  the 
country  against  disturbances  of  the  peace.     While  the  Father 
explained  all  these  things  in  detail,  admiration  and  acclama- 
tions arose  from  all  the  people,  who  were  delighted  to  see  us 
so  well  acquainted  with  their  mode  of  procedure. 

He  made  a  present,  in  token  of  thanks,  because  they  had 
shared  with  Onnontio  in  the  spoils  they  had  taken  from  their 
enemies,  having  sent  to  him  two  children,  whom  they  had 
captured  and  carried  off  from  the  nation  of  the  Cat.  He 
made  two  other  presents,  one  in  token  of  gratitude  for  our 
courteous  reception  in  their  country,  and  their  earnest  invita- 
tions, and  the  other,  to  cause  them  to  put  the  canoe  in  the 
water  and  carry  news  of  us  to  Quebec. 

At  last  the  Father  raising  his  voice  and  becoming  more 
animated,  exclaimed,  it  is  not  for  trade  that  you  see  us  appear 
in  your  country.  Our  pretensions  are  far  higher,  your  pel- 
tries would  never  cause  us  to  undertake. a  journey  of  so  much 
labor  and  danger.  Keep  your  beaver,  if  you  find  it  profita- 
ble, for  the  Dutch  ;  even  those  which  should  accidentally  fall 
into  our  hands,  would  be  employed  for  your  benefit.'  ^\c 
seek  not  perishable  things.      It  is  for  the  faith  that  we  have 


I 


MISSIONS. 


167 


quitted  our  country-it  is  for  the  faith,  that  we  have  aban- 
doned our  parents  and  friends-it  is  for  the  faith,  that  we 
have  crossed  the  wide  ocean— it  is  for  the  faith,  that  we  have 
left  the  great  ships  of  the  French,  to  embark  in  boisterous 
waters,  m  jour  little  canoes-it  is  for  the  faith,  that  we  have 
left  our  splendid  mansions,  for  your  bark  cabins— it  is  for 
the  faith,  that  we  deprive  ourselves  of  our  natural  nourish- 
ment, and  the  delicacies  we  might  enjoy  in  France,  to  eat 
your  provisions,  which  the  dumb  animals  of  our  country  would 
loathe ;  and  taking  in  his  hand  a  beautiful  belt  of  beads  skil- 
fully wrought,  he  continued;  it  is  for  the  faith,  that  I  hold 
in  my  hand  this  rich  present,  and  that  I  open  my  mouth  to 
remind  you  of  the  word,  which  you  gave  us,  when  you  went 
(loTvn  to  Quebec,  to  conduct  us  to  your  country.      You  have 
solemnly  promised  us  you  would  lend  your  ear  to  the  words 
of  the  Great  God  ;  they  are  in  my  mouth,  listen  to  me  ;  I  am 
only  his  organ.     He  sends  to   warn  you  by  his  messengers, 
that  His  Son  became  a  man  for  your  love.     That  this  man^ 
the  Son  of  God,  is  the  prince  and  master  of  men.     That  He 
has  prepared  in  the  heavens,  endless  pleasures  and  eternal 
delights,  for  those  who  obey  his  commandments,  and  that  He 
kindles  horrible  fires  in  hell,  for  those  who  will  not  receive 
His  word.     His  law  is  mild  ;  He  forbids  us  to  do  any  wron- 
either  upon  property,  or  upon  life,  or  upon  woman,  or  upo^'n 
the  reputation  of  our  neighbor.     What  if  thou  deniest  God 
^\hosoever  thou  art,  whether  an   Onondaga,  a  Mohawk,  a 
feeneca,  a  Cayuga,  or  an  Oneida,  know  that  Jesus  Christ,  who 
animates  my  heart  and  my  voice,  will  precipitate  thee,  one 
day  into  hell.     But  I  beseech  you  prevent  this  misfortune,  by 
yielding  to  conversion  ;  be  not  the  cause  of  thine  own  loss 
obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 

On  the  27th  of  July,  we  returned  to  the  shores  of  the  lake 
^vhere  a  large  party  of  our  French,  have  long  and  faithfully 
worked  m  preparing  us  a  dwelling,  which  we  shall  call  St. 
Mary  s  of  Genentaha. 

On  the  30th,  the  eve  of  St.  Ignatius  day,  the  chiefs  of  Onon- 
daga came  to  visit  us  and  made  us  several  presents,  to  bind 


i'i 


I'   11 


168 


ONONDAGA, 


US  80  Strongly,  tliat  henceforward  we  should  bo  but  one  people, 
and  to  warn  uh  thut  wo  must  not  trust  the  OneidaM ;  tliat  this 
nation  was  fraudulent  in  actions  and  deceitful  in  words,  and 
they  prayed  ua  to  fortify  ourHolves  well,  and  to  render  our 
fortress  capable  of  recoiviufr  them  and  sheltering  them  from 
their  enemies,  in  case  of  necessity.     That  they  were  going  to 
take  the  axe  and  build  us  a  canoo,  which  was  to  carry  iKnvs 
of  ua  to  Quebec.     The  month  of  vVugust  was  a  time  of  labo- 
rious exercise  for  us  in  every  nuinner.     We  had  built  a  chapel 
at  Onondaga,  part  of  our   Fathers  having  remained  there, 
the  others  held  conversation  among  the  cabins.     They  hardly 
ceased  from  nior.iing  till  night  to  preach,  teach  catechism, 
baptize,  teach  prayers  and  answer  questions,  from  all  (juartcrs,' 
these  good  people  showed  so  much  inclination  for  the  faith! 
The  French  who  were  a,t  St.  Mary's,  of  Lake  Genentaha,  per- 
formed all  the  trades  of  a  city,  to  get  us  lodged  and  preserve 
us  amidst  these  ))arbarians.     None  of  this  was  the  work  of 
frolic  or  amusement.     We  had  to  labor  much,  sleep  little,  lie 
upon  the  ground,  sheltered  only  by  miserable  barks,  eat  only 
a  httle  meat,  without  bread  or  wine,  or  other  seasoning  {'"ra- 
gout") than  hunger.     We  were  tormented  both  night  and  day 
by  musquitoes,  {''  Manngouws")  which  there  assailed  us  on 
every  side.     All  this,  combined  with  the  change  of  climate 
and  the  great  labor  of  the  journey,  so  injured  our  constitu- 
tions, during  the  greatest  heat  of  summer,  that  we  all  f.;ll  sick. 
It  was  a  pitiful  sight  to  see  sometimes  as  many  as  twenty,  al- 
most piled  upon  each  other,  at  a  time,  and  in  a  country  where 
we  had  no  other  help  than  heaven. 

The  sickness  here  spoken  of,  continued  till  late  in  the  au- 
tumn, during  which  a  number  of  the  French  became  dispirited, 
and  sighed  for  tht  groves  and  vineyards  of  their  native  coun- 
try. At  length,  health  was  in  a  measure  restored  ;  and  with 
its  return,  the  drooping  spirits  of  the  colonists  in  a  degree  re- 
vived ;  but,  owing  to  the  withholding  of  the  necessary  sup- 
plies of  provisions  for  the  sustenance  of  the  French,  and  the 
requisite  quota  of  articles  suitable  for  presents  to  the  natives, 
which  alone  could  engage  their  attention.     From  this  time 


MISSIONS. 


169 


forward  the  mission  may  be  said  to  languish,  and  the  colony 
to  dwindle  away. 

About  this  time,  a  noted  Seneca  hunter  came  to  visit  the 
Father  (Jhaumoiiot,  and  to  offer  liim  a  suit  of  furs,  to  keep 
the  warmth  of  friendship  which  he  had  just  contracted  with 
him. 

It  has  been  related  to  us,  that  the  Dutcli  wislied  to  bring  us 
horges  and  other  things,  rejoicing  at  our  settlement  in  these 
countries. 

An  aged  chief  of  the  Cayugas,  an  intelligent  man,  employed 
in  public  affairs,  came  to  visit  us,  on  the  part  of  his  whole 
nation,  to  beg  Aahicndnse  to  grant  him  the  assistance  of 
some  of  our   Fathers,  assuring  tliem  if  they  would,  a  chapel 
should  be  erected,  that  the  people  desired  to  bo  instructed  in 
our  creed.     The  Father  Rend  Mesnard,  and  two  Frenchmen 
were  sent  with  him,  notwithstanding  our  great  want  of  laborers. 
Fatlicr  Joseph  Chaumonot  is  to  accompany  him  as  far  as  the 
Cayugii,  towns,  and  then  to  pass  on  to  the  Senecas,  there  to 
found  a  permanent  mission,  hoping  to  reap  an  abunii.int  har- 
vest, if  it  pleases  God  to  assist  us  and  preserve  us  in  peace 
and  send  us  laborers,  sufficient  for  the  harvest.     At  this  time, 
a  party  of  Ilurons,  settle  at  Onondar  a,  who  have  previously 
been  instructed  in  our  religion,  and  who  manifest  a  lively  in- 
terest in  everything  relating  to  the  faith.     We  took  them  at 
once  into  our  keeping,  encouraging  and  instructing  them  in 
the  true  and  lively  way.     They  were  of  some  service  to  us  by 
their  example  to  the  Onondagas  ;  for  they,  observing  these 
Christians  worthily  engaged  in  the  service  of  God,  felt  them- 
selves bound  to  make  more  diligent  inquiry,  after  the  salva- 
tion of  their  own  souls. 

This  year  also,  the  Father  Le  Moyne  visits  the  Mohawks, 
and  revives  the  mission  among  them  ;  an  account  is  given  of 
the  progress  of  the  Gospel  generally  among  the  Iroquois, 
their  manners  and  customs,  and  other  details. 

The  succeeding  chapter  commences  with  a  description  of 
the  country  as  it  then  appeared. 
"  Relation,"  1056-7.  Publication  of  the  faith  to  the  Onon- 

22 


170 


ONONDAGA. 


dagas.  For  the  better  understanding  of  these  missions,  we 
say  that  the  exercises  are  conducted  in  much  the  same  man- 
ner and  degree  of  order  and  decorum,  as  in  European  assem- 
bhes.  More  than  two  hundred  have  been  baptized  within  a 
short  time.  Five  of  the  most  prominent  individuals  in  the 
nation  are  among  them  ;  more  than  two  hundred  are  the  hv- 
ing  stones  who  comprise  the  foundations  of  this  church. 

The  liead  chiefs  were  so  much  engiiged  that  they  became 
exhorters  of  the  hiw  and  commandments.  It  wouhl  be  de- 
sirable if  thousands  of  others  would  follow  their  virtuous  ex- 
ample. 

During  the  latter  months  of  the  year  1656,  new  hopes  were 
awakened  in  the  progress  of  the  affairs  of  the  missionaries  at 
Onondaga,  and  New  France,  generally ;  but  they  declined  in  the 
former,  and  linally  early  in  1658,  the  mission  was  broken  up, 
and  the  colonists  dispersed.  As  Charlevoix  gives  the  most 
condensed  an.l  satisfactory  account  of  the  abandonment  of  the 
Onondaga  mission,  v,c  will  follow  liim  in  preference  to  the 
Father  Paul  llagueneau  whose  delation  is  before  us;  an<] 
while  upon  the  subject  of  Onondaga  missions,  we  give  the  his- 
tory of  Charlevoix  in  full,  of  the  colonizing  and  Christian- 
izing the  Onondagas. 

iMoYc  jn-occeding,  however,  as  we  have  not   before  had 
much  occasion  to  mention  this  author,  we  would  state,  tliat  Peter 
Francis  Xavier  de  Charlevoix,  was  a  learned  Jesuit,  famous 
for  his  travels  and  his  authentic  historical  compositions.     lie 
lived  to  the  age  of  78  years,  and  died  in  1761,  after  having 
traversed  a  large  portion  of  the  continent  of  America.     His 
writings  (in    the  French  language)  relating   chiefly  to  this 
country,  were  very  voluminous,  consisting  of  three  large  quar- 
to volumes,  of  from  500  to   700  pages  each.     In  the  vear 
1720,  he  was  directed  by  the  king  of  Franco  to  visit  Canada, 
and  to  pay  particular  attention  to  the  condition,  manners  and 
customs  of  the  Indians.     He  passed  up  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence, and  through  the  great  lakes  to  Mackinaw,  thence  through 
the  Lake  Michigan,  and  the  rivers  Illinois  and  Mississippi  lo 
New  Orleans.     At  the  end  of  one  of  the  volumes,  he  gives  a 


MISSIONS. 


171 


list  of  the  works  and  authors  consulted  for  his  work,  which 
list  contains  many  works  scarcely  known  and  very  profitable 
to  aid  in  the  researches  of  the  antiquarian  student. 
Charlevoix,  Tome  I,  page  320 : — 

It  was  on  account  of  the  great  sincerity  and  regard  Avhich 
the  Onondugas  appeared  to  possess  in  the  cause  of  religion, 
vhich  induced  the  Governor  General  to  send  to  them  Fathers 
Cliauinonot  and  Dablon.  The  former  was  of  Italian  origin, 
and  tlie  oldest  missionary  who  was  then  in  New  France,  where 
he  labored  to  an  extreme  old  age,  with  unwearied  zeal ;  and 
whore  his  memory  is  yet  revered.  Father  Dablon  profited  by 
liis  arrival  in  New  France,  and  was  not  long  in  establishing 
for  himself  a  great  reputation  for  wisdom  and  virtue.  The 
two  missionaries  set  out  from  Quebec  the  19th  of  September, 
Kjoo,  with  the  deputies  of  the  Onoudagas,  who  were  sent  to 
invite  them,  accompanied  by  a  great  number  of  savages  of 
the  same  nation,  and  tlioy  waited  only  for  the  appointed  time 
of  their  ministry  to  perform  their  duties. 

The  chief  <leputy  had  with  him  his  wife,  who  was  extreme- 
ly pleased  with  every  thing  she  had  seen  among  the  Chris- 
tians, and  especially  in  the  two  communities  of  Daughters  of 
the -Convent.  There  was  no  end  to  the  questions  put  to  Pcto 
Chaumonot,  by  her,  about  our  ceremonies  and  our  mysteries. 
Seven  or  eight  Iro(piois  joined  with  her  for  instructions.  They 
were  much  affected  with  the  preaching  of  our  missionary,  and 
on  their  arrival  in  their  own  country,  found  themselves  in  a 
state  to  receive  baptism,  which  was  administered  with  much 
ceremony.  These  examples  of  piety  in  the  French,  had  pro- 
duced in  the  hearts  of  the  Iroquois,  of  whom  I  am  to  speak, 
the  fervor  and  zeal  of  the  Huron  captives.  These  feelings 
spread  through  the  difierent  villages,  in  which  they  had  been 
manifested ;  and  the  missionaries  found,  in  these  villages,  a 
true  and  just  appreciation  of  Christianity,  with  hearts  and 
minds  already  disposed  to  embrace  it.  They  arrived  in  this 
canton  the  5th  of  November,  and  they  had  evory  reason  to 
predict  their  success,  by  the  reception  which  was  given  them 
in  the  principal  village.     They  were  loaded  with  presents  on 


172 


ONONDAGA, 


the  part  of  Monsieur  de  Lauson ;  they  were  accepted  with  re- 
spect and  presents  made  in  return.  They  immediately  hail 
assigned  to  them,  hind  for  buihling,  and  as  soon  as  they  were 
comfortably  lodged,  they  made  known  to  the  elders  that  thev 
wished  to  declare,  in  full  council,  the  intentions  of  those  who 
had  sent  them.  This  proposition  was  well  received,  and  the 
meeting  was  very  large  ;  Pere  Chaumonot  spoke  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion  in  a  manner  which  excited  their  admiration  and 
love.  He  dwelt  much  upon  the  marvellous  change  which 
Christianity  produced  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  embraced  it 
sincerely ;  and  this  portion  of  his  discourse  made  a  great  im- 
pression on  those  who  had  before  their  eyes  these  living  ex- 
amples. When  he  had  finished,  an  orator  thanked  him,  in 
behalf  of  all,  for  the  zeal  which  he  showed  in  procuring  for 
them  eternal  happiness,  and  said  to  him,  that  in  comparison 
with  the  French,  the  other  Europeans  did  not  know  how  to 
speak.  They  commenced  immediately  the  erection  of  a  chapel, 
and  so  many  put  their  hands  to  the  work  that  it  was  finished 
in  a  single  day,  and  that  same  day  they  baptized  a  convert. 
From  that  time  the  missionaries  performed  all  their  duties 
with  the  same  freedom  as  if  they  were  in  the  midst  of  a  colo- 
ny of  French,  and  they  knew  well  in  their  hearts  those  of 
whom  the  Holy  Spirit  had  taken  possession.  A  young  woman, 
who  was  not  yet  baptized,  refused  the  two  best  offers  of  her 
village,  for  the  only  reason,  that  her  suitors  were  idolaters. 
A  few  days  after  a  warrior,  having  in  vain  urged  her  to  evil, 
sought  by  violence  to  subdue  her,  but  the  generous  proselyte 
had  the  courajre  to  withdraw  herself  from  his  friends,  and  to 
place  herself  in  safety  from  his  persecutions.  After  such  a 
trial.  Father  Cliaumonot  did  not  believe  it  his  duty  to  defer 
administering  baptism  to  her,  which  she  had  urged  with  great 
entreaty ;  and  he  had  the  consolation  of  hearing  the  infidels 
themselves  say,  that  she  was  worthy  of  being  a  Christian ;  a 
decisive  testimony  in  favor  of  a  religion,  of  which  wickedness 
and  hardness  of  heart  could  not  prevent  from  acknowledging 
its  true  piety.  A  very  estimable  woman  in  this  village,  whose 
rank  was  the  first  among  them,  wished  to  be  baptized,  and  all 


MISSIONS, 


178 


her  family  follovred  her  example.  Several  idolaters  wished 
to  persuade  her  that  she  would  repent  of  it ;  and  a  short  time 
after  she  fell  sick.  She  had  a  grand-son  of  ten  or  twelve 
years  of  age,  whom  she  loved  much,  who  was  attacked  with 
the  same  disease  as  his  grand-mother,  and  was  soon  reduced 
to  a  leanness  so  great,  that  it  was  painful  to  see  him.  The 
enemies  of  Chr'stianity  did  not  fail  to  triumph  over  their 
misfortune.  But  tlieir  triumph  was  short.  God  inspired  the 
sick  with  firmness  and  resignation,  who  hecame  the  subject 
of  conversation  and  admiration  of  all  the  village,  and  at  the 
time  of  their  receiving  baptiam,  they  were  restored  to  health. 
This  wonder,  whicli  was  followed  by  many  others,  did  not  pre- 
vent the  missionaries  from  enduring  Avell  this  opposition  and 
running  many  risks,  principally  upon  the  part  of  some  Hu- 
rons,  who  being  hard  of  heart,  whilst  they  were  in  their 
country,  did  not  cease  to  insinuate  to  the  Irociuois,  that  if 
they  introduced  this  strange  religion  among  them,  it  would  in 
time  make  the  same  progress,  and  produce  the  same  results, 
which  they  had  known  Avherever  these  doctrines  had  been 
preached.  Seeing  that  nothing  could  make  any  impression 
upon  the  minds  of  this  people,  they  imagined  every  day  new 
devices  to  draw  the  Onondagas  to  their  designs,  but  they  did 
not  succeed,  as  they  had  taken  care  to  anticipate  the  Hurons 
upon  these  points.  Meanwhile  preparations  were  in  progress 
for  the  reception  of  the  missionaries,  who  were  expected  to 
be  sent  from  Quebec.  The  people  of  the  whole  canton  were 
in  ecstasies,  in  anticipation  of  so  fortunate  a  circumstance. 
Father  Dablon  had  set  out  the  2d  day  of  March,  in  the  year 
1056,  with  a  large  escort  of  savages,  and  made  the  voyage  to 
Quebec  for  the  purpose  of  persuading  M.  de  Lauson  to  esta- 
blish a  French  colony  at  Onondaga,  but  he  did  not  arrive  at 
Quebec  until  the  commencement  of  April  following.  He  had 
no  difficulty  in  causing  M.  de  Lauson  to  enter  into  the  pro- 
jects of  the  Iroquois.  A  Huron,  who  was  one  of  the  compa- 
ny who  accompanied  M.  Dablon,  and  who  had  been  a  long 
time  with  the  Onondagas,  used  his  secret  influence  to  prevent 
M.  de  Lauson  from  encouraging  the  mission,  but  could  not 


!       n     »| 

*>•>*  ''  ill 

rl.f'.       if 


m 


ONONDAGA. 


prevail  upon  him  to  change  his  purpose.  Fifty  Frenchmen 
"Were  selected  to  form  the  proposed  settlement,  and  Sieur  Du- 
puys,  an  oHicer  of  the  garrison,  was  appointed  commandant. 
Father  Francis  le  Mercier,  who  had  succeeded  Father  Jcromo 
Lalleniant,  in  tiie  office  of  Superior  (Jeneral  of  Missions,  ear- 
nestly desired  to  conduct  in  person  these  missionaries,  who 
were  destined  to  establish  the  first  Iroquois  Church,  who  were 
the  Fathers  Fremin,  ^lesnard  and  Dablon.  Their  departurt' 
was  fixed  on  the  7th  of  May,  and  although  the  harvest  had 
been  indifferent,  tlu^y  gave  to  Sieur  Dupuys  an  abundance  of 
provisions  for  his  people  to  supply  him  during  the  year,  and 
enough  to  soav  the  land  of  which  they  were  going  to  take  pos- 
session. 

The  circumstances  of  this  new  enterprise  being  noised 
abroad,  gave  the  Mohawks  great  dislike,  and  revived  in  their 
breasts,  their  ancient  jealousy  of  the  Onondagas.  A  general 
council  of  the  nation  was  called,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
into  consideration  this  momentous  affair.  It  seemed  to  them 
as  of  tlie  utmost  importance  ;  and  the  result  was,  that  tlieir 
united  resources  must  be  put  in  requisition,  to  oppose  this 
new  establishment.  A  party  of  four  hundred  men  wjis  imme- 
diately raised,  and  orders  were  issued,  eitlior  to  disperse  or 
annihilate  the  company  of  M.  Dupuys.  They  failed  however 
to  accomplish  their  object,  and  only  expended  their  Avrath  upon 
some  straggling  canoes,  which  were  plundered,  and  a  j)art  of 
those  who  conducted  them  were  wounded.  After  a  short  stay 
at  Three  Rivers  and  at  I\Iontrcal,  M.  Dupuys  left  the  latter 
place  on  tlie  eighth  of  June,  and  tlic  same  day  fell  in  Avith  a 
party  of  Mohawks,  whom  he  plundered  as  a  reprisal  for  the 
outrage  committed  by  them. 

On  the  29th  of  the  same  month,  tow^ards  9  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  they  heard  from  the  camp,  a  voice  of  a  man  com- 
plaining. The  comnninder  caused  the  drums  to  be  beat ;  and 
soon  they  perceived  a  savage,  who  approached  as  if  in  great 
distress.  This  was  the  young  Huron  (of  whom  I  have  before 
spoken)  who  had  escaped  from  the  expedition,  to  the  Isle  of 
Orleans.     The  skin  upon  his  body  was  half  roasted,  and  for 


MISSIONS. 


175 


seventeen  days  that  he  had  traveled,  ho  had  taken  no  other 
nourishniciit  tlmii  wild  fruits,  gathered  by  the  way.  The 
Onondagas  who  accampanicd  the  French,  gave  him  a  drink, 
which  strengthened  him  in  a  short  tijne.  They  gave  him  at'ter- 
wiinls,  provisions  also,  and  sent  him  forward  to  Quebec. 

The  remainder  of  the  voyage  Avas  very  pleasant,  except 
that  they  suffered  very  severely  from  a  scarcity  of  provisions, 
(if  which  they  had  been  quite  too  prodigal.  They  had  calcu- 
lated considerably  on  the  fisheries  and  upon  the  chase,  but 
!iotli  these  failed  ;  and  the  French,  who  were  unaccustomed 
to  fast  like  the  savages,  would  have  perished  of  hunger,  had 
lint  the  chiefs  of  the  Onondagas  sent  them  some  canoes  loaded 
with  provisions.  They  learned  from  the  same,  that  a  large 
party  of  Iro(iuois,  from  all  the  villages,  and  a  great  number 
of  other  savages,  awaited  their  arrival  upon  the  shore  of  the 
Lake  Genentaha ;  and  M.  Dupuys  on  his  part,  prepared  him- 
self to  make  his  entrance  into  their  country  as  imposing  as 
possible. 

Before  arriving  at  the  place  where  the  savages  were  wait- 
ing, ho  landed  five  small  pieces  of  cannon,  and  made  a  dis- 
rharge.  lie  then  re-embarked,  and  rowing  in  beautiful  order, 
"iiterod  into  the  lake ;  wliere,  in  less  than  a  (luartcr  of  an 
hour,  he  made  two  discharges  of  all  his  musketry;  and  judg- 
ing from  all  appearances,  he  was  received  in  the  most  cordial 
:in(l  respectable  manner  possible.  They  wore  welcomed  with 
-peechcs,  feasts,  songs,  dances,  and  with  every  demonstration 
•fjoywliich  savages  were  capable  of  oifering  ;  in  fact  nothing 
'.vas  spared  on  tlic  occasion.  On  the  following  day,  the  12th 
'if  July,  the  To  Deum  was  sung  at  the  end  of  a  solemn  mass. 
The  chiefs  then  made  presents  as  they  are  accustomed  to  do 
in  making  treaties  of  alliance  ;  and  on  the  IGth,  the  French 
all  partook  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Eucharist,  with  great  de- 
vonon,  which  was  a  beautiful  example,  and  made  a.  great  im- 
pression upon  the  minds  of  the  savages.  The  next  day,  they 
roiiinicnced  the  building  of  cabins,  in  which  to  lodge  them- 
selves, and  Father  Le  Mercicr  visited  the  principal  village  of 
the  Ouondagas,  where  he  was  received  with  great  ceremony. 


m 


m 


m 


i  ?  4l 


I'Mra 


8      S   ;■« 


170 


ONON  l>A(J  A. 


On  llio  'JItli,  II  ^niml  nmnril  wiiH  ImM,  at  wliicli  FiithorH 
Mrrricr  niul  ('Imimionol,  ovpliiiiMMl  iil  lar/^o  llif  viowH  of  the 
l'r«Mi('li,  iiinl  IfiitltTtMl  llu»ir  LiikI  n-j^mtlM  (o  llicir  now  iioigh- 
Ihmm.     |''n(li('r  ('liiniiiiniKd  H|i(il\tM»r  llu>  ('liiinlian  rcli^idii  with 

i\w  HiXWW    (<itM|U(MI(*(>    aiul    KIIOOOHM,  tllUt    \w  luitl    (loUO    U|l()|l  ll'lH 

iit'rival  in  IIiIh  villa^o. 

'ri\t«  mn\r  (liiv  lilt-  il('|»iilics  tif  lilt'  villaj^(<  of  <!a_vii|j!a,  «muu(< 


to  asK  a   misHionarv.  and  llit'V  M»«nt  tlifin 


M 


csnai'i 


Mppoiirctl  rciiilv  in  the  ninvruicnt  of  tlio  OmMulaj^aM,  lor  their 
«'nil»riiciM<i  ( 'lirinlianil y,  ami  it  lu'canio  nt'i't'ssiiry  lo  cnliir^t' 
tin*  cliiiiM'l,  wliifli  limt  lu'cn  Iniilt  llit>  year  lu'lort',  ami  wliich 
otuild  Mol  rontain   near  all   llii»s(>  who  wish.cij   to  lu»  inslnictcd 


111  oui-  uivstoncs. 


Thcro  had  Ium'ii,  tlmin;'  tlif  month  of  An- 


j^usl,  i»\c('ssi\(«  Ileal,  which  was  llu<  oaMiHion  ol  iiiiich  mivoiv 
siokiK'Ns,  Imt  l>_v  lln>  kind  atlt<nlion  of  tln>  savaj^os,  nil  iho  nick 
woro  rt'i'oviMt'd  in  a  short  linio. 

This  last  mark  of  iho  alVt'clion  of  iIiomo  iicoplo,  luM'Humlod 
tlio  more  rrcdiiloiis  of  lh(>  h'tfiich  to  hcliovt',  that  they  foiiM 
ill  all  cases  rely  npoii  them.  Novertlndess,  thos(>  who  weiv 
more  sagacious,  ludieved  it  iu>eessai'y  to  provide  nt  loiust 
nuaiiist  their  ineonslaney,  and  they  loiind  it  in  tho  end  iiiuoli 
the  wisest  course  to  follow  their  etmnsel,  notwithslandiiij;  their 
Jissurances  of  friendship.  It  wns  thought  advisable  to  hold 
in  restraint  the  inliahilants  of  this  villajjje,  and  conseipiently 
a  strong  fort  was  biiill,  and  all  duo  eautitni  used   to  prevent 


SUV 


prise,  and   all  jnoper    diligence  exorcised  to  secure  | 


)re- 


tectii>n  in  case  of  an  alarm.  Meanwhile  supplies  from  Que- 
boc  were  not  readilv  granted  for  the  sustemnu-e  of  this  colony; 
suitable  articles  for  jiresents  \vert>  wanting  to  draw  the  niiads 
of  the   savages,   favorably   towards   the    French.       Kvcn  the 

~  ft 

nocessarv  expenses,  were  relnctantlv  yielded.     It  was  stated 

•  I  ft      • 

in  reply  tv>  the  demands  necessary  to  sustain  the  colony,  that 
all  the  lands  of  Camula  were  not  enough  to  contribmc  salli- 
oient  t'or  so  great  an  outlay  of  expenses.  The  Indians  iiud- 
ing  the  French  slow  in  bestowing  presents,  and  becoming  in  a 
il<groo  tired  of  supporting  tlieni,  as  might  naturally  be  sup- 


MIHMIONH 


177 


jioHtMl,  their  ic^ard  tor  ('hriHtiiiiiily  rctlaxtid,  m  thoir  afl'oo* 
tinriH  for  the  KrcuicJi  dot^liiKMl. 

VVIiilHl  lli('H(<  tliiiij:;rt  wort)  piiHHiiif^  amoiij^  the  OrioiuhigiiH, 
tli(>  lliiroiiH  of  tho  iHh*  (if  Orh'iiiiH,  who  did  not  foid  uHHUiod 
(if  their  Hiifet  y,  took  refiij^e  at  (^iiehi'ir,  and  in  a  niouutnt  of 
v('Xiilit»M,  had  heen  iihaiidontMl  hy  th(>  Kreneh,  they  Hent  pri- 
\nU'\y  to  the  Mohawks,  to  have?  thcMiiHtdveH  a(hnitt(!d  into  their 
cimtiiii,  lo  heeonie  as  one  p«'oph^  with  them.  They  had  lianlly 
taken  lIiiH  Htep  h«'loni. they  reh'tited  ;  hut  the  MohawkH  took 
iluMii  at  their  woni,  and  Hiunn^^  that  thc^y  wished  to  hreak  thoir 
ciifjiil^cnient,  t(M»k  measures  to  eompcd  th(!iri  t(t  conform  to  it. 
Tliey  conniieiMMMl  hy  h'ttinj^'  htose  upon  them  war  parties,  who 
iimssncred  or  curried  away  nil  tiiose  who  attempted  to  hsave 
the  coiinlry,  iin<l  when  they  heli(!ved  that  these  hostilities  had 
huIkIikmI  tii(*  s|)irit  of  these  peoph>,  they  sent  to  Quehoe  thirty 
aiuliasHiidors.  Nothin;^  eoiihl  e(|ual  the  <li^nity  with  which 
these  messen;^ers  iieijuitled  themselves  of  their  commission. 
They  iul(lr(>ssed  M.  de  Laiison  and  tlemaiidtid  of  him  a  hear- 
ill};,  in  an  assemhiy  of  llin'ons  and  {''nMieh.  The  (Jovernor 
(iciioral  haviii"!;  consented,  the  chief  of  tin;  depntation,  spoke 
liist  to  the  lliiroMs  and  said  to  lliem  :  '"  My  Hrother — tho 
time  has  heen  when  thou  hast  extended  thy  arms  to  entreat 
me  to  eonduet  (hee  into  my  conntry  ;  hut  evei-y  time  1  have 
[lUt  myself  in  the  way  of  my  <hity,  thoii  hast  withdrawn,  and 
it  islo  punish  thy  inconstancy,  that  I  have  raised  my  hatchet. 
lU'liovc  me,  and  j^ive  nm  no  cause  again  lo  treat  thee  in  this 
iDiumer;  remove  ihysidf  and  avoid  me."  Finishing  those 
Wdnls,  he  presented  two  necklaces — one,  said  lio,  is  to  aid  the 
lliirtMis  in  raising  themselves,  and  the  other,  to  assure  them 
tliiit  lieucelorth  the  iMohaw  ks  shouhl  live  with  them  as  hrothcrs. 
llo  tlu>n  turned  towards  the  ({overnor  (jieneral,  and  spoke  to 
him  in  these  wcu'ds  :  ''  Onnontio — raise  thy  arms  and  give 
up  thy  children,  which  thou  holdest  in  thy  bosom  ;  for  if  they 
should  commit  any  folly  it  is  to  be  feared,  that  in  punishing 
them,  my  blows  might  fall  upon  thee.  I  know,"  continued 
he,  "that  tlie  llin-on  loves  ]>rayer,  and  that  he  adores  the 
Author  of  all  things,  and  that  in  all  liis  nccoasitios,  he  has 


-■:n^ 


!■■     ,'-    i 


1     •        l| 


n% 


1    I 

1 


I! 


r'f 

rn 

fill 

t    ,j 

^^1 

*  1 

H 

:[ji, 

I'M 

1 

III 

H 

178 


ONONDAGA. 


access  to  him ;  I  wish  to  make  as  much  of  it.  Agree  that 
Ondessonk,  who  has  left  me,  I  know  not  why,  should  return 
to  instruct  me,  and  as  I  have  not  a  sufficient  number  of  canoes 
to  carry  so  many,  do  me  the  favor,  to  lend  me  thiiie."  He 
then  presented  two  necklaces  and  retired.  They  had  much 
<^',  .culty  in  comprehending  what  caused  M.  de  Lauson  to  suf- 
fer this  insolence,  at  a  period  Avhen  the  French  had  no  other 
enemy  but  the  single  canton  of  the  Mohawks.  Perhaps  he 
wished  to  see,  before  showing  his  displeasure,  in  what  manner 
it  might  :urn  the  affairs  at  Onondaga.  It  is  certain  he  did 
not  show  to  the  Mohawks  any  resentment,  to  the  haughty 
speech  of  their  orator ;  this  was  Avell  observed  by  the  Ilurons 
and  greatly  embarrassed  them.  The  experience  of  the  past. 
and  the  conduct  of  the  Iroquois,  caused  them  to  fear  their 
ruin  would  be  certain  and  complete.  In  this  difficulty  they 
were  divided,  some  declaring  they  would  not  quit  the  French, 
others  resolving  to  give  themseb'es  to  the  Onondagas,  witli 
whom  they  had  already  formed  an  engagement.  There  was 
only  the  tribe  of  "  Ours'  who  kept  their  word,  given  to  the 
MohaAvks.  These  resolutions  taken,  the  council  re-assembled 
and  although  the  Governor  General  had  not  taken,  it  appears 
any  measures  to  establish  his  reputation,  he  yet  wished  to 
assist  Pore  la  Moyne,  who  served  as  interpreter,  who  first 
spoke  and  said:  "  Onnontio  loves  the  Hurons,they  are  hi'- 
children ;  but  if  they  do  not  hold  themselves  und'n-  his  pro- 
tection, they  are  of  an  age  to  take  cave  of  themselves.  He 
opens  his  arms  and  gives  them  their  liberty  to  go  where  they 
wish.  As  for  me,  I  shall  follow  them,  wherever  they  go,  and 
if  they  are  with  the  Mohawks,  I  shall  instruct  them  how  to 
pray  and  to  adore  the  Great  Spirit.  But  I  dare  not  hope  that 
thou  wilt  listen  to  me.  I  know  Ihee,  and  am  acquainted  with 
thy  indocility  :  but  I  am  pleased  with  the  Hurons.  As  to 
the  canoes  which  thou  demandest,  thou  sccst  Avell  that  we 
have  not  enough  ourselves.  Make  them,  if  thou  hast  not 
a  sufficient  number."  The  chief  of  the  Ilurons  of  "  Oun" 
took  the  word  and  said  :  "  My  Brother— I  am  with  thee ;  I 
throw  myself  with  my  eyes  shut  into  thy  canoes,  determined 


MISSIONS. 


179 


withal  even  to  die :   but  I  wish  to  go  alone  with  my  house- 
hold, ("  %e,")  I  will  suffer  none  other  to  embark  with  me. 
If  in  time  the  rest  of  my  nation  desire  to  follow,  I  shall  not 
oppose  them ;  but  I  am  well  satisfied,  that  they  sec  in  what 
manner  thou  wilt  treat  me."     He  then  tlirew  down  three  belts, 
which  signified  that  liC  engaged  the  Mohawks  to  treat  him 
well,  and  to  neglect  nothing  that  would  cause  him  to  forget 
what  he  had  sacrificed,  and  to  facilitate  the  voyage.     The 
deputies  accepted   the   belts,   ^nd   appeared   well   satisfied. 
They  went  to  work  immediately  to  make  canoes,  and  when 
finished,  they  embarked  in  them  with  the   Huron  and  Pere 
la  Moyne.     A  few  days  after  their  departure,  the  deputies  of 
the  Onondagas  arrived  at  Quebec,  to  summon   three  of  the 
Hurons,  who  had  offered  themcelves  to  them  on  their  word, 
and  were  much  displeased  when  they  learned  that  the  tribe 
of  "  Oi«-6-,"  had  followed  the  Mohawks.     The  Hurons  made 
luost  unsatisfactory    excuses   and  were  much   embarrassed. 
The  French  were  no  way  desirous  of  entering  into  a  quarrel 
with  these  people,  who  took  so  high  a  stand  in  the  cause  of 
Christianity  and  the  affairs  of  the  new  colony.     Finally,  the 
Governor  General  made  known   to  the  deputies,  that  if  they 
failed  in  respect  due  to  tlieir  Father,  that  a  party  of  Hurons 
were  ready  to  follow  them,  and  as  they  did  not  bear  about 
their  persons  the  equippage  of  warriors,  but  the  garb  of  friends 
and  brothers,  that  the  Hurons  being  desirous  of  doing  things 
in  the  right  way,  they  should  return  with  the  Onondagas  and 
keep  their  Avord.     To  sliow  that  their  words  were  not  deceit- 
ful, the  Hurons  visited  thciu  at  Slontrcal  and  gave  them  hos- 
tages.    This  reply  soothed  tiie  Onondagas,  wlio  gave  a  great 
i'east  and  returned  apparently  contented. 

Notwithstanding  these  frequent  altercations,  the  dissolution 
of  this  body  of  Christians,  on  v-hom  tlie  French  had  cherished 
the  most  lively  hopes,  ;\nd  the  hostilities  of  the  Mohawks, 
caused  great  uneasiness  to  the  Governor  General,  and  to  the 
missionaries.  It  is  true  these  received  consolation,  from  the 
number  of  conversions  which  took  jdace  every  day  among 
the  people,  even  among  those  who  had  shown  a  great  opposi- 


I 


imiiiiiiiiii 


>    V    'J 


r 


180 


ONONDAGA. 


tion  to  the  Church,  and  by  the  examples  of  grace  and  virtue 
■which  they  daily  saw  in  their  converts.  The  remembrances  of 
this  time  are  filled  with  very  edifying  traits  of  the  fervor  of  these 
Christian  savages  whom  we  leave  with  regret.  It  is  thus  that 
the  Lord  keeps  his  ministers  in  continual  changes  of  hope 
and  fear,  which  nourishes  in  them  two  virtues,  the  most  neces- 
sary to  the  duties  of  Apostleship — distrust  in  themselves,  and 
confidence  in  Him  of  wliom  they  are  ministers. 

The  Onondagas  arrived  in  the  Isle  of  Orleans  to  receive  the 
Hurons,  and  to  carry  them  with  them,  as  had  been  previously 
arrani-ed.  Some  of  the  French,  and  two  Jesuits  were  to  uc- 
company  them,  but  they  were  much  surprised,  Avhen  on  the 
day  of  their  departure,  the  Onondagas  declared  that  the  Hu- 
rons alone  should  embark  with  them.  They  relented  how- 
ever, in  favor  of  the  French,  but  still  persisted  in  excluding 
the  two  Jesuits,  who  on  their  part  did  not  wish  to  leave  theiv 
converts,  were  obliged  to  embark  in  a  canoe  which  they  found 
upon  the  bank,  without  any  other  provision  than  a  small  bai; 
of  corn.  This  conduct  of  the  Onondagas,  for  which  they 
were  wholly  unprepared,  augured  an  unpropitious  beginning 
for  the  Hurons.  Many  foresaw  the  unhappy  Ic  t  which  awaited 
them,  and  their  presentiments  were  well  founded.  These  un- 
fortunate Christians  had  not  proceeded  far,  before  they  knew 
they  were  inevitably  lost.  A  young  Avoman  avIio  liail  refused 
the  offer  of  an  Iroquois  chief,  was  shot  by  the  savage  ininic- 
diatcly.  As  if  they  had  only  waited  for  this  signal  to  re- 
move the  mask,  which  covered  the  blackest  of  their  crimes,  a 
great  number  of  the  most  respectacle  Hurons  were  massacred 
on  the  spot.  Otliers  were  regarded  as  prisoners  of  war,  and 
some  were  burned,  Avithout  knowing  beforehand  the  cause  (if 
such  inhuman  treatment.  A  resolution  had  been  formed  of 
putting  tue  French  to  the  sword.  Wo  know  not  how  they 
prevented  the  execution,  but  they  avoided  this  d mger  only  to 
fall  into  another,  where  it  appeared  to  them  for  a  long  time 
that  they  Avould  inevitably  perish.  The  first  thing  vrhich  they 
learned  upon  their  arrival  at  Onondaga  was,  th  it  a  conspiracy 
had  been  discovered  atiainst  th."  French.     A  band  of  Oneidiu 


MISSIONS, 


181 


having  gone  to  the  chase  near  Montreal,  surprised  three 
Frenchmen  in  a  secluded  place,  killed  them,  and  brought 
their  scalps  into  the  village  where  they  Avere  divided.  This, 
with  other  flagrant  indications  of  hostility,  were  soon  given, 
which  left  no  doubt  in  the  minds  of  the  French,  that  an  effort 
would  be  made  to  destroy  their  new  colony.  Monsieur  de 
Aillebout,  who  commanded  at  Quebec,  in  place  of  M.  De  Lau- 
son,  who  had  returned  to  France,  demanded  satisfaction  for 
this  outrage,  and  to  oblige  the  nation  to  render  it,  he  gave 
orders  that  they  should  arrest  all  the  Iroquois  in  the  colony, 
lie  was  obeyed,  and  the  first  movement  Avhich  the  news  of 
this  order  caused  in  the  cantons,  was  to  form  the  most  violent 
resolutions.  These  were  not  enforced,  however,  and  they  held 
to  those  which  were  formed  with  more  deliberation.  Pere  le 
Moyne,  who  was  with  the  Jlohawks,  was  entreated  to  deliver 
the  Iroquois  under  arrest,  under  pretence  of  doing  him  honor, 
and  of  sustaining  the  offenses  of  the  young  men  against  the 
French.  It  was  determined  to  give  Father  Le  Moyne  a  nu- 
merous escort,  with  which  to  visit  Montreal,  and  then  to  let 
loose  parties  of  warriors,  who,  scattering  themselves  through 
the  colony,  where  as  soon  as  they  were  informed  of  the  liberty 
of  their  men,  they  would  pillage  and  massacre  all  the  French 
and  their  allies,  whom  they  should  chance  to  meet.  Pere  Le 
Moyne,  contrary  to  their  expectations  did  not  go,  and  their 
plans  were  thereby  frustrated.  But  in  the  month  of  February 
of  the  following  year,  (1658)  numerous  bands  of  Mohawks, 
Oneidiis  and  Onondagas  were  in  the  field,  ready  equipped  as 
warriors.  It  is  not  necessary  so  much  to  give  the  suspicions 
of  Monsieur  Dupuys,  as  he  was  very  soon  informed  by  a 
Christian  Indian,  of  all  of  which  they  plotted  against  him. 
He  found  himself  in  great  perplexity,  and  in  truth  saw  no 
way  of  extricating  himself  from  his  present  danger,  without 
much  trouble  and  hazard. 

To  fortify  himself  and  sustain  a  seige,  was  only  to  post- 
pone his  destruction  and  not  prevent  it,  because  he  had  no  as- 
sistance to  hope  for  from  Quebec.  lie  found  himself  driven 
to  the  necessity  of  being  obliged,  sooner  or  later,  to  give  him- 


t  >H».i 


182 


ONONDAGA. 


self  iij),  or  die  in  fighting,  or  perish  miserably  by  famine.  In 
order  to  effect  a  safe  retreat,  it  became  necessary  to  construct 
canoes,  for  they  had  taken  no  precaution  to  secure  any  in  case 
of  emergency.  To  make  them  there,  in  a  public  manner,  was 
to  proclaim  their  retreat,  and  thereby  render  it  impossible. 
Something  must  be  resolved  upon  instantly,  and  thus  the 
commander  decided.  He  commenced  by  sending  an  express 
to  Monsieur  Do  Aillebout,  to  inform  him  of  the  conspiracy,  and 
then  gave  orders  to  construct,  with  all  possible  speed,  small 
light  boats,  and  to  hinder  the  Iroquois  from  hearing  of  it,  they 
went  to  work  at  them  in  the  store  room  {^'- grenier')  of  the 
house  occupied  by  the  Jesuits,  which  was  more  secluded  than 
the  others,  and  much  larger.  This  done,  he  ordered  all  his 
men  to  be  in  readiness  at  a  moment's  warning,  and  each  in- 
dividual to  supply  himself  with  provisions  sufficient  for  the 
voyage  ;  and  to  be  careful  to  avoid  giving  the  least  cause  of 
suspicion  to  the  Iroquois.  He  waited  only  to  take  such  pre- 
cautionary measures  as  might  be  necessary  to  embark  in  so 
secret  a  manner,  that  the  savages  could  have  no  knowledge 
of  the  retreat  of  tlie  French,  until  they  had  so  far  advanced 
as  to  have  no  apprehensions  of  being  pursued,  and  this  they 
accomplished  by  the  following  singular  stratagem.  A  young 
Frenchman,  who  had  been  adopted  into  one  of  the  principal 
families  of  the  Onondaga  s,  and  wlio  had  acquired  considera- 
ble influence  with  the  Indians,  arose  one  morning  and  pre- 
sented himself  before  his  adopted  father,  saying,  that  during 
the  previous  night  he  had  dreamed  of  one  of  those  feasts  where 
it  became  necessary  for  the  guests  to  eat  all  that  was  set  be- 
fore them,  and  he  prayed  he  would  make  a  similar  one  for  all 
the  people  of  the  village,  and  that  he  had  a  presentiment  that 
if  so  much  as  one  thing  were  wanting  to  render  the  feast  such 
an  one  as  he  desired,  he  should  surely  die.  The  savage  re- 
plied, that  he  should  very  much  regret  to  see  him  die,  and 
that  he  would  make  this  repast  immediately,  and  that  he 
would  have  the  care  of  making  the  invitations,  that  noth- 
ing should  be  lacking  to  make  the  entertainment  precisely 
what  ho  desired  it  should  be.     Upon  this  the  young  man  as- 


MISSIONS. 


183 


signed  the  lOtli  of  March,  which  also  was  the  clay  fixed  upon 
for  the  (lepnrture  of  the  French.  All  the  provisions  which 
could  veil  bo  spared,  throughout  the  village,  were  brought 
forward  to  grace  the  entertainment,  and  all  the  savages  were 
invited  to  attend. 

The  feast  commenced  in  the  evening,  and  in  order  to  give 
the  French  an  opportunity  of  putting  their  boats  into  the 
water,  and  to  load  them  for  the  voyage,  without  being  ob- 
served, drums  and  trumpets  sounded  cheerily  around  the  place 
of  their  festivity. 

The  boats  being  now  launched,  and  all  things  in  readiness 
for  departure,  the  young  man,  at  a  certain  signal,  which  was 
made  to  him,  said  to  his  adopted  father,  that  he  pitied  the 
guests,  of  whom  a  great  number  had  asked  quarters,  that  they 
wished  to  cease  from  eating,  and  give  themselves  up  to  repose, 
adding  that  he  would  procure  for  them  all,  a  most  agreeable 
sleep.  He  immediately  commenced  playing  upon  his  guitar, 
and  in  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour  there  was  not  a  single 
Indian  who  was  not  sound  asleep.  He  instantly  rushed  out, 
joined  his  companions,  who  were  in  waiting,  and  the  little 
fleet  in  a  moment  left  the  shore. 

The  next  morning  a  number  of  savages,  according  to  their 
custom  at  waking,  went  to  see  the  French,  and  found  all  the 
doors  closed  and  barred.  This  novelty,  and  the  profound  si- 
lence which  every  where  reigned  throughout  the  French  set- 
tlement, greatly  astonished  them.  Their  first  impression  was, 
that  the  French  were  at  mass,  or  that  tliey  might  be  holding 
a  secret  council,  but  after  waiting  several  hours  for  a  solution 
of  the  mystery,  they  knocked  at  the  doors,  but  were  only 
answered  by  the  barking  of  some  dogs  left  by  the  French. 
They  saw  also  a  number  of  fowls  walking  upon  the  walls,  but 
no  person  could  be  seen  or  heard.  They  waited  very  impa- 
tiently till  towards  evening,  and  finally  broke  open  the  doors, 
and  great  indeed  was  their  surprise  on  finding  all  the  houses 
vacant.  For  a  long  time  the  savages  were  unable  to  compre- 
hend how  the  French,  who  they  really  supposed  had  no  ca- 
noes, had  been  able  to  get  away,  and  tlu  ;    ould  not  imagine 


*rf' 


%  t'  ' 


r  , 


'1 


'i  1 


184 


ONONDAGA. 


t 

r 

p 

li 

1 

1 

m 

m 

!M 


how  it  was  possible  for  tiiera  to  effect  their  escape.     It  was 
in  truth  the  first  time  they  had  made  use  of  boats  upon  such 
voyages ;  but  if  they  had  been  provided  with  canoes  it  would 
not  have  been  possible  to  have  used  them,  because  there  was 
yet  large  bodies  of  ice  in  the  rivers,  and  this  circumstance 
prevented  the  Iroquois  from  pursuing  them  with  any  hope  of 
success.     Monsieur  Dupuys  did  not  however  believe  himself 
entirely  safe,  but  used  such  speed,  that  in  spite  of  contrary 
winds,  which  detained  them  on  Lake  Ontario,  he  reached  Mon- 
treal in  fifteen  days.     The  joy  of  deliverance  from  so  great 
danger,  did  not  however  prevent  this  officer  from  feeling  sen- 
sibly that  a  flight  so  precipitous  was  a  disgrace  to  the  French 
nation,  and  regretting  that  for  the  want  of  a  little  timely  as- 
sistance, he  was  unable  to  sustain  an  establishment  of  so  mucli 
importance,   and  of  governing  a  people  who  acquired  the 
power  and  right  of  insulting  the  French  on  account  of  their 
own  weakness. 

Reception  of  Pero  le  Moyne  by  the  Onondagas  :— 
The  next  autumn  they  received  at  Quebec  letters  from 
Father  le  Moyne,  dated  from  Onondaga.     This  missionary, 
having  experienced  many  dangers  in  his  journey  on  account 
of  the  Mohawks,  the  Oneidas,  and  the  Senecas,  who  had  no 
part  in  the  deputation  of  the  two  other  cantons.     He  arrived 
at  last  without  any  serious  accident,  at  two  leagues  from  On- 
ondaga.    He  there  was  met  by  the  great  chief  of  this  canton, 
named  Garakontie,  who  awaited  him  there  with  a  numerous 
suite  to  do  him  honor.     He  was  much  surprised  at  this  event, 
as  it  was  not  the  custom  of  the  savages  to  go  more  than  one 
league  to  await  the  deputies;  but  his  astonishment  ceased 
when  he  knew  to  whom  he  was  indebted  for  this  act  of  po- 
liteness. 

Relation  of  the  years  1659-60.  Gives  a  comprehensive 
view  of  the  country  of  the  Iroquois,  and  of  their  customs  and 
cruelties  in  war.  The  state  of  the  country  of  the  Algonkins, 
and  of  some  new  discoveries.  Of  the  state  of  the  Huron  na- 
tion and  its  last  defeat,  by  the  Iroquois.  The  state  of  the 
remaining  Hurons,  after  their  last  defeat.     The  state  of  the 


MISSIONS. 


18") 


mission  among  the  Hurons,  and  the  opening  which  was  made 
anew,  and  of  the  burning  of  some  Iroquois  prisoners  at  Quebec. 

Relation  of  the  years  1000-01.  (Jives  an  account  of  the 
wars  which  raged  with  great  violence  between  the  French  and 
lro(|uois.  The  theatre  of  cruelty  and  rapine,  Avas  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Montreal,  whither  the  Iroquois  had  carried  the  war. 
The  French  had  suffered  great  distress,  not  only  by  the  rava- 
;fos  of  war,  but  by  pestilence  and  famine.  A  large  number 
of  prisoners  of  the  French  had  been  taken,  many  of  whom 
^uftbrcd  all  the  excruciating  pains  of  savnge  torture,  crowned 
hy  (loath  itself.  Several  had  been  sj)ared  this  refined  ordeal 
(if  suffering,  and  although  prisont/s  of  war  to  a  savage  people, 
were  permitted  to  enjoy  a  good  degree  of  liberty.  It  is  said, 
tliere  were  at  this  time  at  Onondaga,  not  fewer  than  'thirty 
Frenchmen.  These  captives  by  the  assistance  of  some  pious 
Onondagas,  relics  of  the  former  mission,  and  some  of  the  Hu- 
lons,  who,  since  the  conquest,  had  taken  up  their  abode  there, 
liiul  converted  a  spacious  cabin  into  a  chapel,  where  they  re- 
gularly assembled  to  say  mass  ;  and,  through  all  the  wars  be- 
tween the  French  and  Iroquois,  some  persons  Averc  at  Onon- 
daga, Avho  kept  up  the  worship  of  (Jod,  and  kept  alive  for  a 
series  of  years,  a  spirit  of  Christianity,  and  an  interest  in  the 
faith.  This  Ilelation  gives  an  account  of  a  conference  for 
peace  between  the  French  and  some  of  the  Iroquois. 

Of  the  establishment  of  a  new  mission  among  the  Killiste- 
nous,  called  that  of  St.  Francis  Xavier,  towards  the  North  Sea, 
on  Hudson's  Bay,  and  a  journal  of  the  first  visit  of  the  French 
to  that  quarter,  and  the  dangers  of  the  road,  and  sundry  let- 
ters to  and  from  Father  Le  Moyne.  Also  a  marvellous  ac- 
count of  the  flight  of  some  French  prisoners,  who  had  escaped 
from  the  Iroquois,  and  other  accounts  of  captive  French,  and 
savages. 

Relation  1001-02,  by  Father  Jerome  Lallemant.  Gives  a 
continuation  of  the  wars  with  the  Iroquois,  and  of  various  mur- 
ders. The  wintering  of  the  Pere  Pierre  Balloquet,  with  the 
Montagnais  and  the  Algonkins  ;  also  the  Avintering  of  the 
Father  Le  Moyne  in  the  country  of  the  Superior  Iroquois, 

24 


.-.  if 


186 


ON  ONI)  A  (J  A 


'    it 'J 


(Senecas,  Ciiyuga.s)  which  rehitcs  principally  tho  cruelties  of 
the  Iroquois  towards  the  French,  the  torture  of  prisoners  and 
the  persecutions  of  the  Christians  and  the  Church.  Tho  re- 
turn of  Father  Lc  Moync,  the  deliverance  of  eighteen  French 
captives,  of  several  murders  of  the  Gaspee  savages,  and  others 
called  "  Papinuchionetkhr 

Relation,  lOOi^MJ-'}.  Describes  certain  inctoorological  phe- 
nomena, tho  grout  oartluiuako  of  100;},  and  tho  solar  eclipse 
of  September  in  tliat  year. 

liclation,  l<;(i:M.  Treats  of  the  missions  among  tho  IIu- 
rons,  Algonkins  and  Five  Nations,  and  the  war  between  the 
Mohawks,  and  the  Moliegans  and  Abena(|uis.  It  gives  an  ac- 
count also  of  an  embassy  which  the  Irocpiois  sent  to  the  French 
to  conclude  a  poaco,  being  alarmed  at  the  preparations  of  the 
latter  against  tJiom. 

Relation,  lOlU-f,.  Gives  an  account,  of  the  arrival  of 
Monsieur  I)e  Traci  in  Now  France.  His  reception  by  the 
savages  of  Canada  ;  his  negotiations  with  the  Iroquois ;  also 
of  the  arrival  of  the  Superior  Algonkins  at  Quebec,  and  the 
mission  of  the  Father  Claude  AUoucz,  and  of  the  first  forts, 
constructed  on  tlie  rivers  of  the  Iroquois  ;  desci-iption  of  their 
country,  and  the  roads  thither. 

Journal  of  the  second  vo}  age  of  a,  Father  of  the  Society  of 
Jesus,  to  tho  Lake  St.  Eavnabo,  continuation  of  the  wars  with 
the  Iroquois,  and  of  their  defeat  at  the  Lac  "  Puizonafiami " 
called  Lake  St.  John  ;  particulars  regarding  comets  and  si^ns 
which  appeared  at  Quebec,  and  in  that  neig]il)orhood ;  cir- 
cumstances upon  tho  arrival  of  the  vessels  from  France  ;  the 
king  interfering  with  the  rights  of  Carignansalieres  and  a  let- 
ter of  the  Mother  Superior  of  the  Hospitaliors  Order  of  Nuns, 
at  Quebec. 

Relation  1005-'G,  by  Pore  Jerome  Lallomant : 

There  is  supposed  to  be  but  one  copy  of  this  volume  in  the 
United  States  or  Canada,  and  this  in  possession  of  J.  Carter 
Brown,  Esq.,  Providence,  R.  L  It  contains  but  three  chap- 
ters. But  many  interesting  particulars  of  the  expeditions  of 
the  French  in  IGGO.    Alludes  to  a  colony  formed  at  Ononda- 


MISSIONS. 


187 


,,.^ — (lr.4cii)»os  tlie  oxpodition  led  by  T)e  Cnnrcclles  in  January 
iifiiinst  the  Oiieidas  and  Mohawks,  in  the  course  of  which  five 
humhTd  men  marched  on  snow-shoes  from  Quebec  to  Scho- 
noctiidy  and  1)ack,  a  distance  of  three  hundred  leagues.  The 
(itlicr  commanded  by  Monsieur  do  Traci,  then  an  octogenari- 
an, and  proceeded  in  September  following  against  the  Mo- 
hawks. Chapter  2d  treats  of  the  Huron,  Algonkin  and  Pa- 
pinakioises  missions.  Chapter  M  gives  an  account  of  the 
wars  and  treaties  of  peace  between  the  French  and  Iroquois, 
and  mentions  a  letter  of  the  Mother  ''  Supcrieur  llospitalicres," 
nuns  of  (.^lebec  and  New  France,  dated  3d  Oct.,  IGGG,  which 
is  not  here  published. 
Relation  IGGG,  'G7,  by  Pe>e  Francis  Lc  Mercier: — 
Upon  the  state  and  condition  of  Canada  for  the  last  two 
voars;  of  the  journey  of  Perc  Claude  Allouez  in  the  country 
of  the  Outaouacs.  On  the  arrival  of  the  missionai'ies  at  L'ance 
th  St.  Ki^prit^  called  ChagouaviH/cv;/.  General  Council  of  the 
nations  in  the  country  of  the  Outi'.ouacs.  Of  some  of  the 
superstitions  and  of  the  false  gods  of  the  country.  Continu- 
ance of  the  niissi(jn  de  St.  Eaprit  in  the  Lac  de  Traci.  a\Iis- 
sion  of  the  Tionnontuteheronnous.  The  mission  of  the  Ou- 
taouacs, Kiakakoumas  and  Outaona  Simar/oue.  The  mission 
of  the  Foutconatamiouec,  and  those  established  among  other 
tribes  of  Indians  called  Ous  aki  Oiickout,  Agamivuck^  IlU- 
vmiec,  Nadout'sioiu'k,  Killutinoucc,  Xipis  IriniemH,  and  the 
voyage  of  the  Father  Claude  Allouez  to  Quebec,  and  his  re- 
turn to  the  Outaouacs,  and  to  the  mission  of  Lac  St.  John  ; 
the  re-establishment  of  the  Iroquois  missions ;  recital  of  the 
wonders  of  the  Church  of  St.  Annie  of  the  little  "  Cap  Coste 
(Je  Beau  pray  Nouvellc  France.'' 
Relation  IGGT,  'G8,  by  Pdre  F.  Le  ^Mercier  :— 
After  a  "  resume"  of  the  advantages  derived  from  the  mis- 
sions among  the  Five  Nations  ;  we  have  in  this  volume  the 
French  names  of  several  missionary  posts  among  the  Mo- 
hawks, Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas.  Refer- 
ence is  also  made  in  it  to  the  drov/ning  of  Arent  A'^an  Curler 
in  Lac  Champlain    on  his  way  to  visit  Gov.  de   Traci.     In 


■M 


f¥ 


188 


ONONDAGA. 


conclusion,  it  contains  a  letter  from  Monsieur  do  Petrea,  first 
Bishop  of  Quebec,  on  tiie  state  of  the  Church,  and  an  account 
of  the  death  of  the  Jlcv.  Mere  Catharine.  As  this  Relation  con- 
tains many  things  relative  to  Onondaga,  wo  again  resume,  and 
insert  somewhat  at  large.      The  Fathers  once  again  made 
strenuous  eftbrts  to  re-establish  the  Christian  Church  anioncr 
the  Mohawks,  but  owing  to  the  dissolute  habits  of  these  peo^ 
pie,  and  their  constant  hatred  of  the  French,  the  mission  was 
not  eminently  successful.     This  year,  KiOT,  the  mission  of 
St.  Francis  Xavier  was  established  among  the  Oneidas.  Father 
Jacques  Bruyas,  having  arrived  among  the  Mohawks,  in  com- 
pany with  Fathers  Frcmin  and  Pieron,  separated  from  tlioni 
in  order  to  pass  towards  the  Oneidas'  village,  which  is  the 
second  nation  of  the  lower  Iroquois  ;  the  least  numerous  in- 
deed, but  the  proudest  and  most  insolent  of  all.     We  arrived 
there  in  the  month  of  September,  KJOT,  to  lay  the  foundation 
of  a  new  Church,  which  Providence  had  destined  to  be  es- 
tablished hero. 

I  cannot  better  begin  my  narrative  than  by  relating  what 
has  passed  this  very  day,  in  which  I  have  had  the  consolation 
of  saying  the  holy  mass,  for  the  first  time  in  my  little  chapel, 
which  has  just  been  finished  by  the  hands  of  our  Iroquois 
themselves.  I  hope  that  the  feast  of  the  glorious  Archan^re] 
St.  Michael,  will  bring  a  good  omen  {'■' ainjure')  for  us,  be- 
cause he  is  the  prince  of  the  Church.  I  trust  he  will  take 
especial  care  of  this  one,  which  is  but  newly  born,  and  give 
it  protection  and  increase. 

Next  follows  the  account  of  the  establishment  of  a  new 
mission  at  Onondaga,  styled  that  of  St.  John  the  Baptist. 
We  follow  the  locations  in  the  order  of  our  chapters,  for  after 
the  nation  of  Mohawks  and  that  of  Oneida,  between  the  south 
and  west,  Ave  meet  Onondaga,  a  large  village,  which  is  the 
centre  of  all  the  Iroquois  nations,  and  where  every  year  a  sort 
of  State's  General  council  is  held,  to  consider  the  differences 
which  may  have  risen  amongst  them  during  the  course  of  the 
year.  Their  policy  in  this  is  very  wise,  since  their  preserva- 
tion depends  upon  their  union.     As  it  is  very  difficult  amon'^ 


MISSIONS. 


189 


a  people,  where  the  most  unlimited  license  in  every  thing  pro- 
vails  with  impunity,  especially  amou^  the  young  men,  ko  it 
seems  necessary  that  soinothing  should  keep  them  in  restraint, 
that  nothing  may  occur  capable  of  causing  a  rupture,  and  of 
producing  discords  among  them. 

Each  year  they  hold  a  general  usseml)1y  at  Onondaga,  where 
all  the  deputies  of  the  other  nations  meet  to  make  their  com- 
plaints, and  receive  the  necessary  satisfactions,  by  mutual 
presents,  by  which  they  best  keep  on  good  terms  with  each 
iithcr.  On  this  account  it  is,  that  amongst  all  the  Iroquois 
missions  we  shall  find  here  that  with  which  wo  have  most 
cause  to  1)0  pleased.  IJesidcs,  as  we  have  before  said,  Onon- 
(la<'ii,  first  of  all,  received  the  light  of  the  gospel,  and  this 
may  pass  for  the  most  ancient  Church  of  the  Iro((uois. 

Providence  has  taken  a  favorable  occasion  to  create,  or 
rather  to  re-establish  in  its  first  estate,  the  (Christianity  which 
was  once  tndy  fiourishing  there,  and  which  still  would  be  if 
the  treachcrios  of  some  of  those  barbarians  had  not  forcibly 
driven  off  the  Fathers,  some  ten  years  since,  througli  the  war 
ivliich  they  then  carried  on  against  the  French.  Father  Ju- 
lian Gamier,  having  gone  up  in  the  course  of  last  summer  to 
Oneida,  to  labor  there,  conjointly  with  Father  Bruyas,  for  the 
salvation  of  those  people,  found  himself  obliged  by  every  mo- 
tive of  charity,  to  proceed  as  far  as  Onondaga,  which  is  but 
a  short  journey  distant.  He  was  there  received  with  every 
testimony  of  cordiality,  affection  and  benevolence,  which  could 
be  Avishcd  for  from  a  people  who  although  barbarians,  were 
strongly  affection ed  towards  our  Fathers,  so  much  so  that  they 
liad  committed  a  gentle  violence  upon  him  to  prevent  his  re- 
turning to  his  post,  undertaking  to  satisfy  him  in  all  things 
lie  should  desire  of  them. 

As  he  had  declared  to  them  that  he  could  not  remain  alone 
and  without  a  chapel,  Garakontie,  that  famous  captain  of 
whom  we  have  before  spoken  in  preceding  Relations,  resolved 
to  gratify  him  to  the  utmost  of  his  wishes.  In  fact  in  a  few 
tlays  he  built  a  chapel,  and  immediately  after  undertook  a  voy- 
age to  Quebec  to  visit  the  Governor  of  Canada,  who  had  long 


4 


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ONONDAGA. 


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I 


doflircd  to  806  this  grcHt  nn.l  good  man,  so  ohVi^mif  towards 
the  French.  One  principal  object  of  liis  vinit  was,  to  take 
away  with  him  some  of  the  Fathcri.,  whom  ho  wished  to  con- 
duct into  his  own  country. 

In  order  bettor  to  .succeed  in  his  ombassy,  ho  tnkes  with 
him  the  four  principal  nu-u  of  the  villnRo,  who  represent  the 
principal  Caiuilics  o['  which  it  is  composcl.     With  this  com- 
pany  he  arrived  at  (.>uel)ec,  on  the  L'Oth  of  last  Ai.^'ust,  whore 
having  appeared  before  the  Governor  and  Intendant,  lu^niade 
five  presents,  which  were  to  be  the  interpreters  (,f  five  speech- 
es whi.-h  he  hrou-ht  in  behalf  of  his  whole  nation,     (iura- 
kontio  goes  on  to  niak(>  and  explain  liis  presents,  first,  how- 
ever, he  speaks  to  the  French  Governor  as  follows :  *'  I  for- 
meriy  boasted,  to  have  done  for  the  French  nation  what  no 
frien.l  among  us  had  over  done  for  another,  having  ransomed 
more  than  twenty-six  of  their  people  fr.nn  the  hamis  of  those 
who  would  certainly  Imve  burned  them,  had  they  not  been 
liberated  by  my  hand.     But  now  I  dare  boast  no  longer  for 
what  r  have  done  in  this  respect.     Since  you,  Onnontio,  have 
<lone  so  much  more  for  us,  by  giving  life,  not  only  to  the 
Oneidas,  who  are  among  you,  whilst  they,  on  whose  behalf 
they  came  to  ask  for  peace,  were  sliiying  you.     But  moreover 
you  have  restored  ((uitc  as  many  other  persons,  who  arc  of 
our  Five  Nations.     When  having  led  into  our  country  a  pow- 
erful army,  and  being  able  to  carry  every  thing  by' fire  and 
sword,  whilst  every  one  fled  before  it,  you  have  been  content- 
ed to  humble  the  Mohawks  alone,  wherein  you  have  greatly 
surpassed  my  expectations  in  the  clemency  of  the  French. 
And  whereupon  I  now  come  to  thank  you,  and  would  fain  be 
able  to  thank  our  great  King  Louis,  inasmuch  as  he  has  not 
desired  our  blood,  nor  our  total  ruin,  but  only  to  hniiide  us. 
I  come  also  to  wipe  the  tears  from  your  cheeks,  whir])  F: Hit 
Gonneau  told  us  had  flowed  from  your  eyes  becaubo  of  the 
death  of  our  men  killed  l>y  the  Andastes." 

Father  Gonneau,  upon  entering  Onondaga,  said,  it  was 
Onnontio,  who  had  commanded  him  on  his  departure  from 
Port-R;.ya\  ^o  visit  our  poor  nation,  and  see  the  condition  it 


M  I  H  S  I O  N  H  , 


191 


was  in.  This  courteHy  1ms  ho  glatMencd  our  lioarts,  that  wo 
have  lavisiiod  upon  him  many  cnchnirmontH,  ami  have  en- 
treattMl  him  not  to  leave  us.  He  liaHaj^reod  to  thi.s,  provideil 
we  wouhl  huihl  for  him  a  chapel,  and  seek  out  a  companion 
for  him.  Wo  have  now  done  botli,  the  chapel  was  completed 
two  days  after  his  ttrrivul,  and  now  behold  us  here,  first  to 
thank  you,  because  you  have  remembered  us,  and  after  this, 
we  ask  of  you  a  priest,  (''  Noir  robe,")  and  also  that  you  will 
;'ivo  us  a  hunter. 

You  cannot  doiiijt  my  fidelity.  I  pray  you  to  believe,  that 
all  our  nations,  will  henceforth  live  in  the  terras  which  they 
have  proiuised  rhe  great  Onnontio.  Do  not  listen  to  the  fugi- 
tive llurons,  Avho  wish  to  make  you  distrustful. 

We  have  never,  never  held  the  ^^  Lonps"  as  our  enemies, 
vet  they  slay  us.  Therefore  cause  the  voice  of  Onnontio  to 
resound  in  their  country,  that  they  may  no  longer  infest  the 
roads,  which  we  keep  open  in  order  to  visit  each  other.  If 
you  do  not,  they  will  proceed  to  kill  you,  as  well  as  us. 

After  the  chieftain  had  thus  spoken,  he  was  answered  in  as 
many  words,  accompanied  by  five  presents.  The  answers 
wore  given,  on  the  27th  of  August,  1(;)(J8,  to  the  words  of  the 
Iro(iuois,  through  the  nation  of  Onondaga  brought  by  the 
^•I'eat  cliieftaln  Garakontic. 

The  French  iigree  Avith  the  nations,  and  are  assured  that 
they  are  rightly  esteemed  and  highly  regarded,  on  every  oc- 
casion, and  cannot  doubt  the  truth  of  the  Avords  of  the  great 
chief.  Thus  has  it  given  a  testimony  of  its  pleasure,  and 
marked  its  gratitude  to  thee,  for  thy  good  offices  which  are 
esteemed  meritorious  since  they  are  sustained,  by  the  most 
exemplary  conduct.  We  hope  that  time  Avill  never  cause  your 
sentiments  to  vary,  and  that  thou  wilt  ins])ire  thy  brothers, 
:i  '^  ^'y  children  to  keep  their  faith  inviolably,  towards  the 
French,  since  thou  perceivest  in  them,  such  good  feelings  of 
compassion  and  clemency,  and  art  persuaded,  tiiat  being  able 
to  destroy  thy  brothers  and  children,  they  have  had  the  good- 
ness not  to  do  so.  Let  the  tliought  be  foi-gotten  then — only 
cherished  by  some  inconsiderate  youths,  that  if  the  French 


'.'# 


'>!  »k, 


■ij^' 


mw 

wt 

I 

1 

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m 

11 

III 

11>2 


OiNONDAGA. 


had  not  destroyed  the  village  of  Oneida,  it  was  because  tliey 
could  not,  or  dared  not.     Make  them  understand,  that  even 
if  there  were  no  troops  liere  at  present,  capahle  of  such  an  en- 
terprise, tliat  great  Onnontio,  called  King  Jiouis,  is  so  powerful 
and  so  jealous  of  the  respect,  which  his  children  owe  him,  that 
he  could  send  here  twenty  times  as  many  troops  as  there  arc 
hero  at  present,  upon  the  sliglitest  information,  that  any  of 
the  Iroquois,  should  have  done  the  least  injury,  not  only  to 
his  own  subjects,  but  also  to  such  of  the  savage  nations  us 
are   under  his  })rotection,   and  who  have  recognized  him  its 
their  sovereign,  as  thou  hast  done  for  the  Five  Nations,     TIio 
interest  which  the  French  have  taken,  expressed  by  tears  of 
grief,  for  thy  brothers  slain  by  the  Andastes,  shows  the  fath- 
erly tenderness  the  king  lias  towards  thee,  as  his  ehild,  and 
the  gratitude,  wliieli  thou  sliowest  for  the  favor  which  he  has 
done  thee,  will  oblige  him  to  continue  them  o?i  every  occasion. 
Thus  always  pursuing  the  course  of  testifying  gratitude  for 
benefits  received,  liecause  it  is  the  surest  nu'thod  of  preserv- 
ing his  good  will  towartls  thee,  ami  to  perpetuate  his  favors. 
As  this  distinguished  chieftain  figures  largely  in  the  Onon- 
daga mission,  and  seems  also  to  have  been  a  great  as  well  av 
a  good  man,  we  deem  it  not  inappro])riate  to  give  his  charac- 
ter in  the  language  of  the  lli;-torian  Charlevoix,  who  says 
(Tome  I.,  page  •5')^.)     (Jarakontie  was  by  birth  and  educii- 
tion  a  savage.     With  the  many  excellent  qualities  with  which 
by  nature  he  was  endowed,  he  was  enabled  to  elevate  himself 
to  the  highest  place  in  his  nation.     He  possessed  a  noble  nat- 
ural nninner  with  great  afiability,  a  disposition  of  much  swcct- 
7iess,  a  superior  genius,  with  mueli  integrity  and  ujtrightiic.ss 
of  character.     His  braveiy  in  Avar,  liis  dextrous   dijiloniacy. 
his  lively  spirit  in  council,  had  acquired  f^r  him  the  greatest 
esteem  in  his  nation.     His  most  comuKin  employment  was,  ti' 
moderate  the  violent  resolutions  of  the  national   council,  and 
to  cultivate  peace  with  the  French,  which  he  sincerely  wished 
to  preserve,     lie  had  given  to  the  French  the  most  sincere 
and  indubitable  proofs  of  his  aifection,  in  recovering  from  the 
hands  of  tlie  English  a  great  number  of  prisoners,  and  all 


MISSIONS. 


198 


itioiis.     Tlic 


those  who  were  actually  captives  in  his  own  canton.     And  in 
the  other  cantons  many  were  under  the  greatest  obligation  to 
him  for  their  lives  and  liberty.     After  thus  describing  the 
chiiraotor  of  this  illustrious  chief  the  same  author  gives  us 
(Tome  i.   page  427)  the  following  account  of  his  Baptism. 
Through  the  pru<lencc  of  (;larakontie,  who  had  been  sent  by 
the  people  of  his  canton,  and  the  firmness  of  the  Governor 
General,  the  agreement  was  concluded  to  the  satisfaction  of 
all  piirties.     (iarakontie  then  spoke  to  the  Outawas,  on  the  un- 
ivorthy  manner  in  which  they  had  treated  the  missionaries, 
whom  they  acknowledged  he  hiid  the  kindness  to  confide  to  their 
trust.     And  as  if  he  had  waited  cx[)ressly  for  the  gathering 
of  so  numerous  an  assembly  before  whom  to  make  the  declara- 
tion  of  his   faith,  he   declared  himself  pu])licly,  a  worshiper 
of  Jesus  (Jhrist.     He  added,  that  long  since,  he  had  been  a 
Christian  at  heart,  that  he  had  all  his  life  detested  and  abhor- 
red the  superstitions  in  which  he  had  been  brought  up,  and 
that  lie  could  defer  no  longer  to  retain  to  himself  the  advan- 
tages, which  he  had  been  the  instrument  of  procuring  for  so 
niiiny  others.     Then  addressing  the  ]>ishop  who  was  present, 
lie  conjured  him  to  receive  him  among  the  children  of  God, 
^vithout  delay.     Every  thing  seemed  to  encourage  the  prelate 
to  grant  to  so  illustrious  a  proselyte,  that  which  he  asked  for 
with  so  much  earnestness,— Apostle  as  he  had  been,  before 
declaring  himself  a  Christian.     J  le  had  always  seemed  to  take 
as  much  at  heart  in  the  establishment  of  Christianity  in  his 
nation,  as  the  missionaries  themselves,  and  the  whole  colony 
'.vas  always  under  great  obligation  to  him.     Uesides  all  this, 
there  was  nothing  which  Avas  bettor  calculated  to  give  credit 
m\  character  to  our  religion,  among  tlio  nations  of  this  con- 
tinent, than  to  render  their  deputies  witnesses  of  the  conver- 
sion 0  ■  a,  man,  so  generally  esteemed.     The  Bishop  therefore, 
made  no  objection,  to  admitting  this  illustrious  proselyte,  to 
the  bosom  of  the  Church.     He  knew  him  to  be  sufficiently 
instructed,  and  he  baptized  him  himself.     The  Governor  Gen- 
eral insisted  on  being  his  God-Father,  and  Mademoiselle  de 
Bouterou(i,  daughter  of  the  Intendant,  was  his  God-Mother. 


B,.  1*   '  I 


194 


ONONDAGA. 


From  the  former,  he  received  the  name  of  Daniel,  which  was 
his  own  name.  Nothing  was  omitted  to  give  celebrity  to  this 
ceremony— all  the  deputies  of  the  nations  were  assistants  and 
witnesses,  and  after  the  exercises,  all  were  regaled  profusely. 

It  was  to  this  great  chief,  that  the  French,  were  under  great 
indebtedness  for  the  establishment  about  this  time,  of  a  colony 
in  the  country  of  the  Onondagas.  This  colony  was  supposed 
to  have  been  located  on  the  Butternut  creek,  about  one  mile 
south  of  Jamesville.  The  circumstances  and  facts  relating 
to  it,  were  taken  froui  a  Jesuit's  Journal,  and  from  the 
sachems  of  Onondaga.  As  the  history  of  this  colony  is  re- 
lated almost  solely  on  the  authority  of  the  late  Dewitt  Clinton, 
being  part  of  a  discourse  delivered  before  the  New- York  His- 
torical Society,  we  give  it  in  his  own  words. 

"From  the  Jesuit's  journal,  it  appears  that  in  the  year 
1666,  at  the  request  of  Garakontie,  an  Onondaga  chieftain, 
a  French  colony  was  directed  to  repair  to  his  village,  for  the 
purpose  of  teaching  the  Indians  the  arts  and  sciences,  and 
endeavor,  if  practicable,  to  civilize  and  christianize  them.  We 
learn  from  the  sachems,  that  at  this  time  the  Indians  had  a  fort, 
a  short  distance  above  the  village  of  Jamesville,  on  tlie  banks 
of  a  small  stream  near ;  a  little  above  which,  it  seems  the 
chief,  Garakontie,  would  have  his  new  friends  set  doivn.  Ac- 
cordingly they  repaired  thither  and  commenced  the  labor,  in 
^vhich  being  greatly  aided  by  the  savages,  a  few  months  only 
were  necessary  to  the  building  of  a  small  village. 

This  colony,  remained  for  three  years  in  a  very  peacea- 
ble and  flourishing  condition,  during  Avhich  time,  much  addi- 
tion was  made  to  the  establishment,  and  among  others,  a  small 
chapel  in  which  the  Jesuit  used  to  collect  the  barbarians,  and 
perform  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  his  Church.  About 
this  time,  (1669,)  a  party  of  Spaniards,  consisting  of  twenty- 
three  persons,  arrived  at  the  village,  having  for  guides  some 
of  the  Iroquois,  who  had  been  taken  captives,  by  some  of 
the  southern  tribes.  It  appears  evident,  that  this  party  came 
up  the  Mississippi,  passed  Pittsburgh  and  on  to  Olean  Point, 
where  leaving  their  canoes,  they  traveled  by  land.     They  had 


MISSIONS, 


195 


been  informed  that,  there  was  a  lake  to  the  north,  whose  bot- 
tom was  covered  with  a  substance  shining  and  white,  which 
they  took  from  the  Indians'  description,  to  be  silver. 

Having  arrived  at  Onondaga  Lake,  and  the  French  vil- 
lage, and  finding  no  silver,  they  seemed  bent  on  a  quarrel 
with  the  French,  Avhom  they  charged  with  having  bribed  the 
Indians,  so  that  they  would  not  tell  where  the  silver  might  be 
found.  A  compromise  was  finally  eifected.  They  agreed 
that  an  equal  number  of  French  and  Spaniards  should  be  sent 
on  an  exploring  expedition.  The  Indians  seeing  these  stran- 
gers prowling  through  the  woods,  with  various  instruments, 
suspected  some  design  to  be  in  operation,  to  drive  them  from 
their  country.  Tliis  jealousy,  was  much  increased  by  the  ac- 
cusations of  the  Europeans  themselves.  The  Spaniards  told 
the  Indians,  that  the  only  object  of  the  French  was  to  tyran- 
nize over  them.  The  French  on  the  other  hand  asserted,  that 
the  Spaniards  were  laying  a  plan  to  rob  them  of  their  lands. 

The  Indians,  by  this  time  becoming  jealous  of  both,  deter- 
mined in  private  council,  to  rid  themselves  of  these  intruders. 
Having  privately  obtained  the  assistance  of  the  Oneidas  and 
Cayugas,  they  agreed  upon  the  time  and  manner  of  attack. 
A  little  before  daybreak,  on  AU  Saints  Day,  1GG9,  the  little 
colony,  together  with  the  Spaniards,  were  aroused  from  their 
slumbers  by  the  discharge  of  firearms,  and  the  war-whoop  of 
the  savages.  Every  house  was  immediately  fired  or  broken 
open,  and  such  as  attempted  to  escape  from  the  flames,  were 
killed  by  the  tomahawk,  and  not  one  of  the  colonists  or 
Spaniards  were  left  alive  to  relate  the  sad  disaster." 

"  The  French  in  Canada,  on  making  inquiries  respecting  the 
fate  of  their  friends,  were  informed  by  the  Indians,  that  they  had 
gone  towards  the  south,  with  a  company  of  people  who  came 
from  thence,  and  at  the  same  time,  showing  a  Spanish  coat  of 
(u-ms,  and  other  national  trinkets,  confirmed  the  Canadian 
French  in  the  opinion,  that  their  unfortunate  countrymen, 
had  indeed  gone  thither,  and  in  all  probability  perished  in  the 
nnmonse  forests.  This  opinion  was  also  measurably  con- 
hrmcd  by  a  Frenchman,  who  had  long  lived  with  the  Senecas, 


H,u    , 


;     I, 


.li'i' 


196 


ONONDAGA. 


and  who  visited  the  Onondagas  at  the  time  the  Spaniards 
were  at  the  village,  but  left  before  the  disaster,  and  could 
only  say  he  had  seen  them  there."* 

Thus  perished  the  second  Christian  colony,  so  far  as  known 
that  was  attempted  to  be  settled  in  western  New- York. 

The  first  at  Lake  Genentaha,  having  been  broken  up  in 
1656,  and  those  who  composed  it,  were  compelled  secretly  to 
leave  for  Canada. 

Relation,  1667-68.  Gives  an  account  of  a  newly  estab- 
lished mission  among  the  Cayugas,  and  of  a  colony  of  Cayu- 
gas  newly  established  on  the  north  coast  of  Lake  Ontario. 

Father  Estienne  de  Carheil  and  Lc  Pe're  Millet,  went  up 
among  the  Iroquois  to  share  their  labors  and  cares ;  the  one 
destined  for  Onondaga,  the  other  for  Cayuga.  There  is  a 
fourth  Iroquois  nation  about  thirty  leagues  distant  from  Onon- 
daga, always  going  up  between  the  west  and  south.  These 
people  are  well  disposed,  for  Iroquois.  It  can  never  be  said 
they  have  borne  arms  against  the  French ;  and,  if  some  of 
them,  have  done  so,  it  has  been  by  small  parties,  in  simple 
skirmishes,  without  any  preformed  design  or  concert  of  the 
whole  nation.  They  are  quite  susceptible  of  kind  impressions ; 
we  have  often  experienced  this,  even  ten  years  ago,  when  we 
were  much  among  them;  the  same  mind  still  proves  their  kind- 
ness and  docility ;  in  proof  of  which,  they  have  erected  for 
us  a  chapel  in  their  village,  which  is  well  attended. 

They  were  very  willing  the  faith  should  be  reestablished 
there.  Father  Carheil  came,  who  has  just  revived  their  church, 
composed  of  Hurons  and  Iro(|uois.  The  fear  of  enemies, 
obliged  many  of  the  nation  to  leave,  and  to  plant  themselves 
on  the  North  coast  of  Lake  Ontario.  This  detachment  of 
the  Cayugas,  or  of  this  new  nation,  needed  pastors  to  confirm 
the  spirit  of  the  faith  in  this  new  church,  Avhich  we  had 
cherished  for  two  years,  and  this  has  been  well  done,  by  Eev. 
Monsieurs  Fenelon  and  De  Trouvc,  two  fervent  missionaries, 


*  Notes  on  Ihe  Iroquois. 


MISSIONS. 


197 


who  have  been  sent  here  by  the  Bishop.*  But  as  they  set  out 
only  at  the  end  of  summer,  as  -well  as  the  two  Fathers,  none 
of  them  have  yet  been  able  to  send  any  news  of  what  has  ta- 
ken place  in  this  new  church. 

The  Relation  continues,  by  giving  an  account  of  the  Huron 
church  at  Quebec  ;  remarkable  conversions  and  deaths  of  cer- 
tain Iroquois  converts.  A  letter  from  the  Bishop  of  Petrea, 
to  Monsieur  Poittevin,  Curate  of  St.  Joff,  Paris.  An  account 
of  the  mission  of  St.  Michael  into  the  fifth  nation  of  the  Iro- 
i[Uois  Scuecas,  and  a  circular  letter  on  the  holy  death  of  a 
hospital  nun  at  Quebec. 

llelation,  1(508-69.  The  establishment  of  a  mission,  St. 
Francis  Xavier,  to  the  country  of  the  Onoidas,  or  the  nation 
of  the  "Stone." 

The  nation  of  Oneida,  is  about  thirty  leagues  towards  the 
south  and  west,  from  the  Mohawks,  and  one  hundred  and  forty 
from  Quebec  ;  arc  of  all  the  Iroquois,  the  least  tractable ;  and 
the  arms  of  the  French,  not  yet  having  penetrated  so  far,  they 
fear  us  only,  through  the  experience  of  their  neighbors,  the  Mo- 
haAvks.  This  nation,  which  despises  the  others  since  their 
defeat,  is  in  a  disposition  contrary  to  the  Christian  faith,  and 
by  its  arrogance  and  pride,  tries  the  patience  of  a  missionary, 
very  sorely.  It  was  necessary  that  Divine  Providence,  should 
assign  them  a  peculiar  man,  and  choose  for  them  a  spirit,  who 
might  by  his  mildness  conquer  or  allay  their  wild  and  fierce 
disposition.  Father  Jacpics  Bruyas,  has  been  the  man,  whom 
Divine  Providence  has  destined  for  their  service,  but  his  la- 
bors have  generally  been  rewarded,  only  by  rebuffs  and  con- 
tempt. He  does  not  however  think  his  time  wholly  misem- 
ployed, since  he  makes  it  his  joy  to  suffer.     He  writes  in  one 


*  By  the  recent  investigations  of  Mr.  Robert  Greenhow,  it  would  appear  almost 
beyond  a  doubt,  that  the  llev.Mo}isienr  Finibii,  here  mentioned,  was  none  other 
person  than  the  illustrious  M.  De  i^t';u'fow,  afterwards  Archbishop  of  Caniliray.  U" 
the  identity  of  tlie  two  personages  can  be  conclusively  established,  (and  we  think 
:t  is  by  Mr  Greenhow's  showing)  then  the  great  and  good  Fenelon,  is  connected 
by  the  most  sacred  ties,  with  the  history  of  our  country.  And  it  may  yet  appear 
that  his  labors  have  been  abundant  at  Onondaga,  at  this  time,  the  seat  of  Iroquois 
missions  and  the  great  centre  of  Indian  missionary  attraction. 


198 


ONONDAGA, 


•it«i- 


of  his  letters,  that  he  considers  all  his  labors  well  rewarded 
when  he  can  baptize  some  dying  child,  and  by  this  means  se- 
cure its  salvation. 

The  number  of  baptized,  amounts  already  to  near  thirty 
most  of  whom  are  already  in  glory.  Such  is  the  state  of  this 
mission,  to  which  the  Father  has  given  the  name  of  St.  Fran- 
cis Xavier,  who  is  the  protector  of  this  new  world.  As  such 
he  is  honored  here  each  year,  by  a  solemn  festival,  which  the' 
bishop  of  P6tre'a  has  established  throughout  France. 

Relation,  1668-69. 

New  mission  of  St.  Jean  Baptiste,  in  the  country  of  Onon- 
daga,  or  Nation  of  the  Mountain. 

After  the  nation  of  the  Mohawks  and  Oneidas  between  the 
south  and  west,  wo  meet  Avith  Onondaga.  This  is  a  ]ar<re 
town,  which  is  the  centre  of  all  the  Iroquois  nations,  and  the 
place  where  the  groat  general  assembly  h  held  in  each  year. 
This  mission  was  formerly  the  most  flourishing  of  any  among 
the  Iroquois,  which  have  been  established  by  the  Fathers,  and 
still  being  one  of  the  principal  fields  of  labor,  two  faitiiful 
laborers  have  been  assigned  to  its  cultivation,  viz.  :  Father 
Julian  Gamier,  and  Father  Pierre  Millet.  But  it  is  not  with- 
out much  difficulty  that  they  have  revived  the  spirit  of  the 
faith,  which  had  been  for  some  years  nearly  extinct,  in  the 
souls  of  these  barbarians. 

One  of  ^  the  greatest  obstacles  which  we  find  to  the  progress 
of  Christianity  is  their  dream,  {''mere  rerem,")  which  ap- 
pears to  be  almost  the  only  divinity  of  this  country,  and  to 
which  they  refer  in  all  things.     As  they  do  not  disturb  our 
prayers,  and  even  the  most  superstitious  assist  us  in  them, 
they  cannot  endure  that  we  should  interfere  with,  or  oppose 
their  ceremonies,  and  they  think  we  desire  their  destruction, 
if  we  wish  to  destroy  the  charm  of  the  dream,  which  they  re- 
gard as  a  kind  of  talisman  to  their  actions,  whereby  they  live. 
One  day  a  celebrated  council  was  held  over  the  dream  of  an 
old  man  who  was  sick.     He  said  he  had  seen  in  a  dream,  a 
man  no  higher  than  a  finger's  joint,  who  had  first  pointed  out 
to  him  drops  of  blood,  falling  from  the  heavens.     lie  added 


ifii 


MISSIONS, 


199 


moreover,  that  it  had  rained  men  from  heaven,  but  in  a  very 
pitiable  condition,  for  they  had  been  treated  there  as  captives, 
and  had  their  fingers  and  noses  cut  off.  Finally,  this  old  man 
asserted  that  one  of  these  little  men  had  told  him,  that  he 
also  would  be  treated  thus  in  heaven,  and  that  all  those  Avho 
went  there  would  bo  given  into  the  hands  of  the  Andas- 
tes,  their  implacable  enemies. 

Upon  this  one  of  the  ^' anciens"  immediately  opposed  his 
dream,  to  the  dream  of  the  other.  I  dreamed,  said  he,  that 
I  was  in  heaven.  Every  thing  there  was  beautiful,  joy,  peace 
and  love  abounded,  and  that  as  soon  as  I  wished  for  any  thing 
it  was  beside  me.  Thus  by  one  dream  another  was  over- 
thrown, and  this  to  please  the  missionaries,  but  very  conveni- 
ent to  refute  the  impertinence  of  this  dream.  The  most  en- 
lightened among  them  easily  see  that  the  greater  part  of  these 
dreams  are  invented.  They  act  upon  them  however,  just  as 
if  they  believed  them  true. 

This  does  not  prevent  the  Onondagas  from  respecting  the 
faith  and  the  commands  of  God.  Some  of  those  who  have 
visited  Quebec,  have  been  touched  with  the  example  of  the 
Huron  Christians,  and  the  exhortations  which  they  have  made 
there  in  favor  of  the  Christian  religion.  The  man  with  whom 
Father  Garnier  dwells,  has  related  at  Onondaga  the  discourse 
which  a  Huron  had  with  him  at  Quebec,  to  persuade  him  to 
embrace  the  faith.  Nothing  could  be  better  calculated  to  ad- 
vance the  cause  of  religion,  or  more  effectually  aid  the  mis- 
sionaries, than  this  harangue.  Upon  this,  every  one  began 
to  say  some  good  of  it,  and  to  remark  the  advantages  of  the 
laws  of  Christianity  over  their  own  superstitious  customs. 

Chapter  IV,  same  Relation,  gives  an  account  of  the  mission 
of  St.  Joseph  in  the  country  of  Cayuga,  which  makes  a  fourth 
Iroquois  nation.  It  is  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  leagues 
from  Quebec,  and  forty  from  Onondaga,  always  going  between 
west  and  south. 

Father  Estienne  de  Carheil  arrived  on  the  6th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1668,  and  there  presented  to  Heaven,  as  the  first  fruits 
of  his  labors,  a  female  slave  of  the  Andastes.     He  had  come 


.1  i| 


I  il/J 


IL  J 


'r 


200 


ONONDAGA. 


,.li 


in 


'i'i 


in 
i  I 

1  **  M  ' 


in  hor  company  from  Onondaga,  and  this  journey,  which  they 
made  together,  enabled  hor  to  proceed  on  her  way  joyfully 
towards  paradise,  for  having  been  instructed  and  baptized 
during  this  journey  of  two  days,  as  soon  as  she  had  arrived 
at  Cayuga,  she  was  burned  and  eaten  by  these  barbarians  on 
the  Gth  of  November.     Father  Garnier  accompanied  Father 
Carheil  on  this  mission.     They  were  very  assiduous  in  their 
labors.     A  chapel  was  soon  eroctod,  many  were  invited  to  the 
faith,  and  a  goodly  number  most  joyfully  accepted.     The 
mission  was  dedicated  to  8t.  Joseph,  by  Father  Carheil.    It 
was  ably  conducted,  and  for  a  long  time  the  Church  was*  tru- 
ly prosperous.     ]}csides  tho  village  of  Cayuga,  which  is  the 
scat  of  his  mission,  there  are  two  others;  one  of  four  lou^r^es 
distant,  and  the  other  nearly  six.     Tho  two  last  are  situated 
upon  a  river,  whifh  coming  from  the  side  of  tho  Andcmoi/uc, 
descends  at  four  loa^gucs  distant  from  Onondaga,  on  its  way 
to  empty  into  Lake  Ontario.     The  great  quantity  of  rushw 
bordering  this  river,  (Seneca,)  has  given  tlio  name  of  Thi- 
ohero,  to   the  village  nearest  to  Cayuga.     Tlie  pt^ople  wlio 
compose  the  body  of  these  three  great  villages,  are  composed 
in  part  of  Cayugas,  llurons  and  Andastes;  the  two  latter 
being  captives  to  the  lro(iuois.     It  is  there  that  the  Fatlior 
exercises  his  zeal,  and  asks  companions  to  assist  in  his  apos- 
tolic labors. 

The  great  chief  Carakontie  exercised  great  iniluence  at  this 
new  mission,  as  well  as  at  Onondaga  and  Oneida,.  lie  en- 
couraged the  new  converts  by  exhortations,  and  strengthened 
the  hands  of  the  missionaries  by  his  zeal  and  perseverance  in 
the  faith. 

Tho  same  Relation  relates  to  the  mission  of  St.  Michael  in 
the  country  of  the  Senecas,  or  nation  of  the  great  mountain. 
This,  of  all  the  Iroquois  nations  in  which  we  have  been,  istlie 
most  distant  from  us,  and  its  inhabitants  being  the  least  fre- 
quently seen  by  us  are  called  the  superior  Lxxjuois.  It  is 
reckoned  from  us  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  leagues.  This 
country  gives  us  the  greatest  hope  of  a  successful  mission, 
which  has  obliged  Father  Jaques  Fremin,  Superior  of  all  the 


MISSIONS. 


201 


^enince  in 


Iroquois  missions,  to  go  there  to  establish  a  new  church.  Wo 
havo  known  tliis  tlirough  the  letters  of  other  niissioniiries,  he 
liiivirif^  set  out  frotn  Moliiiwk  on  tlie  10th  of  October,  IGGb. 
IIu  visited  other  missions  on  his  way,  and  on  the  Ist  of  No- 
vember arrived  at  the  Seneca's  country,  where  lie  was  receiv- 
ed with  all  tiie  honoi-s  rendered  to  Ambassadors  Extraordina- 
ry. Wo  havo  also  learned  that  the  chiefs  luive  ))nilt  a  chapel, 
!iii(l  that  every  one  shows  an  inclination  towards  Cinvistianity. 
Upwards  of  sixty  persons  were  biiptized  within  four  months. 
Thirty-three  are  supposed  to  be  enjoyinj.^  a  blissful  heaven  by 
;i  li;il»py  death.  The  ^^  Jonijleurn,''  in  many  instances,  inter- 
posed, so  that  it  was  diflicult  to  keep  up  an  interest  in  propor- 
tion to  the  merit  of  the  work.  Of  course  it  soon  decreased, 
and  the  war  also  whicli  then  was  waged  against  the  Outaouaes, 
greatly  retarded  the  progress  of  the  faith  ainong  these  people. 
A  mission  was  also  established  in  the  country  of  the  Al<'on- 
kins  at  St.  Esprit,  and  among  tlu;  Outaouaes,  and  a  mission 
of  St.  Croix,  in  the  country  of  the  Afonfar/jiitis  at  Tndoussffc, 
and  the  Huron  mission  of  the  Annunciation,  of  Notre  Dame, 
nciir  the  city  of  (^ue))ec. 

Relation  of  1(>(57,  '71,  gives  an  account  of  the  embassy  of 
Saonchior/oua,  chief  of  the  nation  of  Cayugas.  lie  having 
visited  Quebec,  as  an  ambassador  from  tin;  Senccas.  Also 
gives  an  account  of  the  conversion  of  this  chief  captain  of 
the  Cayugas,  under  the  name  of  Louis  S\innchio(/oua. 

He  labored  incessantly  to  ac((uit  himself  of  his  mission, 
with  Avhich  he  had  been  charged  by  the  Senecas.  He  held  a 
council  with  the  Governor,  who  placed  at  his  disposal  all  the 
captives  Avhich  had  been  taken  from  the  Senecas,  the  chief 
at  the  same  time  making  the  most  solemn  protestations  of 
submission  and  obedience  of  all  his  orders.  The  Governor 
and  suite  regaled  him  and  treated  him  with  no  little  kindness 
and  respect.  All  things  being  well  done,  the  chief  next  turn- 
ed his  attention  to  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  Ho  conversed 
earnestly  with  Father  Chaumonot,  who  has  charge  of  this 
Huron  mission.  No  great  time  was  re(iuired  to  instruct  and 
enlighten  him  in  the  knowledge  of  our  holy  mysteries,  as  ho 

20 


k    It.} 


!5: 


h  1  |l  " 


t  ».fil 


>  *  t 


>fi 


202 


ONONDAGA. 


fi 


ii'!. 


had  been  sufficicMitly  informed  respecting  them,  for  more  than 
fifteen  years,  when  he  hud  the  good  fortune  to  be  present  at 
an  assembly  of  distinguished  men  of  the  Five  Irocjuois  Na- 
tions, hehl  iit  Onondaga,  soon  after  our  arrival  in  the  country 
Avhero  Father  Cliaunionot  had  taught  in  the  faith.  The  mis- 
sion is  reported  for  1(571,  as  being  in  a  very  prosperous  state, 
three  Imndred  and  twenty  souls  having  been  added  to  tlie 
Church,  many  of  whom  arc  in  Heaven. 

The  mission  of  St.  Francis  Xavier  at  Oneida,  1071,  was 
successfully  continued  and  reported  as  fast  growing  in  the  af- 
fections of  the  peoi)lc  under  the  missionaries  who  established 
it,  and  who  now  occuj)ied  this  grouiul. 

Of  the  mission  of  St.  Joseph,  at  Cayuga,  Father  Estienne 
Carheil  writes,  that  the  advancement  of  the  faith,  and  the 
progress  in  the  salvation  of  souls  being  the  only  consolation 
which  your  Excellency  expects  each  year,  from  our  missions, 
I  cannot  give  you  more  pleasure  than  in  informing  you  of  the 
progress  of  the  Church,  regenerated  by  the  waters  of  baptism. 
Sixty-two  received  the  life  of  grace,  thirty-five  having  gone 
to  live  in  glory,  will  be  cause  of  consolation  and  rejoicing  to 
you.  The  greater  part  who  died  after  baptism,  were  children, 
whose  age  does  not  permit  us  to  doubt  their  happiness,  ^hi- 
ny  were  adults,  whose  demeanor  allows  me  to  believe  that  tliey 
have  deserved,  by  the  cooperation  in  grace,  what  those  little 
innocents  have  received  by  the  operation  of  the  sacrament 
above. 

With  respect  to  the  mission  of  St.  John  the  Baptist  at 
Onondaga,  the  llelation  goes  on  to  say : 

We  have  been  infornuul  of  two  things  of  great  comfort,  in 
the  mission  of  St.  .John  the  Baptist,  at  Onondaga,  which  gives 
us  reason  to  believe,  that  the  faith  has  made  great  progress 
in  this  country.  One  is,  that  thirty-nine  persons  had  received 
the  grace  of  holy  baptism,  twenty  of  whom,  a  short  time 
after,  entered  into  full  possession  of  their  glory.  This  can- 
not be  doubted,  in  the  case  of  sixteen  inf\ints  and  four  other 
adults,  who  gave  in  their  death,  great  marks  of  predestina- 


MISSIONS, 


208 


tion,  particularly  a  young  man  nf  twonty-fivc  or  twenty-six 
years  of  ago. 

Sonic  of  these  people  state,  that  after  having  })eon  ill  treated 
by  some  Frenchmen,  they  were  well  received  by  wonio  of  our 
priests  of  Montreal,  which  seemed  not  a  little  to  bring  them 
to  God.  The  family  of  this  young  man,  most  of  whom  had 
|)iv>vionsly  embraced  the  faith,  Jiavo  often  manifested  their 
gratitude,  and  he  was  eager  himself  for  his  salvation.  His 
mother,  was  the  first  to  teach  him  to  pray  to  God,  and  to  in- 
vite Father  Millet,  to  instruct  him.  A  short  time  before  his 
(lentil,  she  herself  went  promptly  to  give  information  of  the 
(l;inger  in  which  her  son  was  in,  in  order  that  ho  might  die 
hippy,  and  his  death  corresponded  faithfully,  to  all  his  graces. 
I  hope,  says  Father  Millet  in  his  letter,  that  he  will  not  be 
the  only  Christian,  nor  the  only  predestinated  one  of  this 
family.  The  joy  which  they  ex})erienced,  after  his  death,  in 
the  lio[)0  of  his  eternal  h;ippin(fss,  is  no  slight  mark  of  their 
faith.  Besides  thev  seem  not  far  removed  from  the  kincdom 
of  God,  through  the  great  desire  they  manifest,  of  meeting 
him  one  day  in  heaven,  and  give  us  reason  to  hope,  of  seeing 
them  all  children  of  the  Church. 

The  other  point  which  ought  to  cause  joy  to  these  soul.^, 
to  see  God  glorified,  in  the  c(uiversion  of  those  people  is  in 
the  constancy  of  the   Chief,  Daniel  Garakontie,  in  ludding 
fast  the  faith,  and  in  nuiking  every  Avhere,  a  high  and  impos- 
ing' profession  of  Christianity.     lie  solemnly  made  it  two 
years  since,  when  after  having  been  baptized  at  Quebec,  lu' 
declared  on  his  return  in  a  public  assembly,   he  should  no 
lonrrcr  perform  any  duties  of  his  station,  which  did  not  coti- 
form  to  the  commandments  of  God.     lie  yet  made  another 
(leclaration  in  a  more   generous  manner,  in  New  Holland,  in 
presence  of  the  Europeans,  who  commanded  in  that  country 
ami  the  chiefs  of  all  the  five  Iroquois  nations,  who  had  been 
called  together,  to  conclude  a  peace  with  the  de  Loups.     The 
Father  has  informed  us  in  his  last,  that  he  manifested  a  truly 
Christian  courage,  in  the  case  of  a  young  person  in  sickness, 
Avhich  had  reduced  him  very  low.     His  parents  and  all  his 


li'* 


■U 


m 


I'f » 


ipj  t 


'ft 


ft-  1 


20! 


n\(»\  I)  A(i  A, 


Iril.c  rt'iniii;,'  Ills  ilr.itli,  .sMlicitnl  him  with  \n\u:U  iiii|)()rtuMitv, 
tn  |Miiiiit  ihMii  hi  (iiiipluy  Cor  his  rcctivcry,  th(!  onliimrv 
^\i<>tiif/iiir.<,"  whu  |>iiss  lor  |ihvsiciiiiis  in  this  coiiiitry.  Ho 
ri'Histt-d  ihciii  stntn;.';ly.  Nfvcrlhchvss,  they  pci'loriiuMl  mhii. 
|u'rHtitiniis  cffcuioiiy  in  his  \vin;\\iiiii,  luronlinj^r  t,,  ihoir  j,i-„i.. 
tici'  when  they  iiii<h  rfiikc  lh(<  cuni  of  a  nick  jhtmoii. 

The  Kill  her  uiis  iuroniicd  of  it,  imd  ciilcrliiiiictl  Hum(<  hiih- 
picioii  lh;il  the  sick  tiiiiii  hiid  cnnsriilcil  to  ii.  lliMvcuttu 
visit  him  ill  the  fvciiiii<,',  iiiid  loiind  with  him  nil  tli(>  old  men, 
who  li('Iit>viii;^'  him  near  dciitli,  nunc  in  ii  hody  to  tnkc  of  him 
II  Inst  liircwcll.  'I'lic  sick  ninii  riiiscd  liis  hciid,  siiyiii;^':  "mv 
l''iitlicr  I  liMvc  Iiccii  much  ti'oiiMcd  tuiLiy,  in  coiisci|iicncc  df 
tlic  ceremony,  which  has  Iteeii  iicrloniied  wilhoiit  my  kimwl. 
i'dM;e,  and  out  td'  my  si;:;lit  at  iIh-  t';irlli<r  end  of  my  culiin. 
Alas!  I  have  said  to  mystdf,  what  will  the  l''athcr  think.  \\v 
will   hclieve  nu'  a  hypocrite  and  a.  (lect>iver.      Uiit  my  I'^atl 


I   have  not  chaiii'ed   iiiv  sentiments  sin 


ce  my  haptisiM  ;    I 


UT, 


nil 


no  loiii^er  a  iu:iii  to  einiseiil    |o   these   loojerics,      I    h 


MAC    (illly 


licimitl 


llieiii  to  sa<'ril 


iiid  to  shed  a  liltl(<  lilooil  lur 


llir 


testament.  I'miI  I  helieve  in  this,  ik.I  to  have  ollciidcd  (I.mI. 
I  letd  too  deeply,  my  l''atlie!',  and  I  have  pi'omised  •otidi!, 
too  solemnly  to  kt'cp  hi^^  holy  I; 


Mv  all   mv  life,  ever  to  retiiri 


to'  m  V  aneit'iit    ciistoiib 


wiucli 


I    I 


lave  I'lven   iiii  willi  all  mv 


heart.      No    my  l''athei-,    I  would   never  a^aiii    li 


as 


1    1 


KIVi 


oe«'ii. 


Ill'  I' .atlier  coiilirnied 


liim  in  these  i.rood  seiitiiiiciits. 


with    \\]\\r\\   the   eoi 


K'taiiv   weri'   liiirlilv   edilu 


Ail 


erwarus, 


one  prosi'Iytt>  lia\  imr  reeovei'ed  his  health,  proceeiled  to  Meii- 
ti'cal,  as  Jill  ai'.ihass.ador  of  |Ih«  lro(piois  nations,  to  Iiolil  a 
Council  with  tlu>  Aliioukiua  ami  Anfoinh-Icx,  who  tliere  lia4 
their  rendezvous,  as  well  lor  the  transacti(Ui  (d*  luisiness,  as 
I'm-  the  sale  of  their  I'lirs.  It  was  in  this  convoy  of  one  lain- 
<lred  and  lii'ty  canoes,  that  more  than  live  hundred  savages  of 
dilVerent  nations,  wcri>  asst'inhled  to  preserve  Mons.  DeCoui'- 
Celle,  irovernor  of  the  country,  for  whom  all  these  peo))le  liail 
a  particidar  regard.  (.Jarakontie  manifested  his  spirit  and  liis 
good  sense,  Imt  particularly  his  faith  and  his  zeal ;  for,  after  * 
havin-ji;  terminated  their  Imsincss,  and  confirmed  tho  treaty  of 


peace,  hy 
nits,  he  n 


MISSIONS. 


205 


peace,  by  in'W  |irot(!Mtiiti(tiis  of  rriciiilMJiip  and  nuiiprocal  prca- 
iiits,  lie  riiiM('(l  Ills  voiro  to  Hiiy  to  llu'iii,  lliiit  lie  liiul  forincrly 
liot'U  iiH  they  were,  in  ij^'hoi'iinri)  of  tlio  tiiU)  ( lod,  and  a  l)«!lio vor 
III  itll  tlicir  siipcrslitioiis  ciistonis.  iSiit,  that  now  ho  wtiH  a 
Christisiii,  and  that  he  lived  liappy  in  keeping  tho  coininand- 
iiii'iilH  oCiiod,  and  in  thcliopc  of  eternal  life.  Ho  concluded 
ills  el(M|iient  haran^iio,  according  to  his  custom,  hy  iiivitin;^ 
thciii  to  ri'llow  him. 

Sucii  a  disfoMrsc  comin;^'  IVom  the  mouth  of  a  fViciidly  sav- 
ijjt',  dcclariii;^  thus  IVaidviy  the  sentiments  of  his  heart,  often 
jifiMJuces  more  olfeet  upon  such  minds,  than  ono  from  tho  most 
•iiiious  misni(»n:uy.  Mehold  another  examph!  which  lias  come 
Id  iiur  kno\vled;.'e.  The  sanu*  l)ani(d  (larakontie,  says  the 
I'l'i'e  he  liamlierville,  in  hin  letter  of  2-»il  (d"  Septond)or,  hav- 
1111.'  met  on  his  return  to  lii:<  eonnfry,  on(!  of  his  parents  sick 
iitilo  death,  eanu'  to  ii\e  to  ask  for  her  some  remedy.  "My 
liiotiier,"  said  I  to  him,  "the  only  renmdy  which  will  ho  of 
iiM'  to  her  in  her  present  stale,  is  haptism,  to  preserve  her 
:Viiiii  hell  ;  liiit  she  has  no  (ii'positinn  I'or  this  sacrament,  she 
inTsists  in  wishin;^;  to  ^^o  to  the  |>retended  country  of  souls. 
It'tlioii  hast  any  trui'  alVection  lor  her,  put  lorth  all  thy  efforts 
to  render  her  more  docile;  hut  hasten  thys(df,  she  has  not  a 
ioiii;  time  to  live.     These  are  the  words  of  the  Father." 

lie  has  nothin;i:  of  the  Irnqiiois  savnp;o  in  him,  hut  the  l)irtli 
;iii(l  the  name.      J  le  went  to  \isit  her  instantly  ",   produced  hy 

,  lii.s  zeal  inid  earnestness  ati  eflect  so  wonderful,  tluit  slio  was 
iiiiuiLMliately  instructed  sulfuMiMitly  to  receive  bai)tism,  to  the 
,:,'i'i'at  joy  of  all  the  fannly.  The  Father  was  not  able  to  ap- 
pruaeh  another  dyin^  creature,  to  sjx'ak  of  her  salvation,  be- 
(';uise  she  numifested  so  ji;reat  an  aversion  to  Christianity,  and 
stuli  an  ineredibl(>  attaehnu'nt  to  the  su})erstitions  of  her  coun- 
tvv.  In  this  diiliculty,  he  had  recourse  to  a  friendly  woman 
of  tiiis  fandly,  v.ho  was  not  yet  a  catechumen,  neither  had  she 
boon  known  to  come  to  jirayers ;  she  had,  however,  some 
kiu)wled<re  of  our  mysteries,  with  jjood  intentions.     She  way 

isosuccessfid  from  the  lirst  time  she  addressed  the  sick  Avoman, 
and  managed  with  so  much  tact,  and  so  becoming  a  Christian, 


'  u 


i  iM 


lii 


206 


ONONDAGA. 


vMrn 


i 
I 


that  the  Father  was  most  favorably  received  into  her  cabin 
and  she  listened  to  him  witli  profound  respect  After  being 
sufficiently  instructed,  she  was  baptized,  and  shortly  after 
died  like  a  Christian. 

It  is  thus,  says  the  Father,  in  concluding  his  letter,  not- 
withstanding the  drunkenness  which  prevails  here  to  the 
greatest  excess,  and  the  other  obstacles  which  the  evil  one 
incessantly  opposes  to  the  advancement  of  the  faith,  we  are 
permitted  to  Avin  some  souls,  and  reap  some  fruits,  from  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 

The  same  Relation  gives  an  account  of  the  mission  of  St. 
Joseph  among  the  Cayugas,  with  a  letter  from  the  Father 
llaffeix  instructing  him  to  take  charge  of  this  mission  in  the 
absence  of  Father  Carheil,  giving  a  clear  and  intelligent  ac- 
count of  it. 

Also  an  account  of  the  mission  of  the  Conception  of  St. 
James,  to  the  Senecas.  Letter  of  Father  Garnier,  dated  July 
1672. 

Also  an  account  of  the  mission  of  the  Martyrs  to  Annie 
by  the  Father  Claude  Dablon,  Rector  of  the  college  of  Que- 
bec, and  Superior  of  the  mission  of  the  society  of  Jesus  in 
IS'ew  France. 

Relation  of  1671—72  contains  a  further  notice  of  the 
missions  among  the  Iroquois,  and  of  the  mission  of  the  Mar- 
tyrs to  Annie. 

Father  Boniface  to  the  Oneidas.  Of  the  Francis  Xavier 
mission  to  the  Oneidas,  by  Father  Millet : 

The  Father  de  Lamberville  governed  the  Church  of  St. 
John  the  Baptist  at  Onondaga.  The  Father  Carheil,  by  a 
nervous  debility,  was  retained  at  Quebec,  but  returned  in  the 
spring  to  his  mission  of  St.  Joseph,  at  Cayuga,  after  having 
been  cured  of  a  sickness,  in  a  miraculous  manner,  by  the  re- 
course he  had  to  our  lady  of  the  faith  and  to  St.  Annie.  We 
learned  afterwards  that  he  arrived  in  perfect  health,  and  that 
Father  Rafleix,  who  had  the  care  of  this  mission  in  his  ab- 
sence, aided  by  Father  Garnier,  in  the  labors  of  the  three 
missions  of  the  Conception  of  St.  Michael,  and  of  St.  James 


MISSIONS, 


207 


to  the  Senecas,  in  which  they  gained  in  all  near  twelve  or 

thirteen  thousand  souls. 

The  mission  of  St.  Francis  Xavier  to  the  Oneidas,  is  rep- 
resented as  being  in  a  very  flourishing  condition.  From  a 
Jesuit  map,  published  1770,  we  find  the  locations  of  several 
missionary  stations  to  be  as  follows : 

Mission  de  St.  Esprit,  situated  near  the  west  end  of  Lake 
Superior. 

Mission  of  de  Ste  Marie  du  Sault,  at  the  entrance  of  Lake 
Superior. 

Mission  of  St.  Ignace,  at  Mackinaw. 

Mission  of  St.  Francis  Xavier,  at  the  south  end  of  Green 
Bay,  or  the  Bay  des  Puans. 

Mission  of  St.  Simon,  established  at  Missisague,  Lake 
Huron. 

These  Relations  are  continued  for  several  years,  though  not 
successively.  Charlevoix  gives  a  condensed  continuation  of 
the  progress  of  these  missions,  more  or  less  interesting.  While 
the  Jesuits  themselves  have  committed  the  summary  of  their 
hibors  to  manuscripts,  Avhich  arc  widely  scattered. 

Charlevoix,  relating  transactions  of  1693,  brings  to  view 
two  distinguished  chiefs  who  have  not  been  named,  and  relates 
the  death  of  the  famous  Garakontie.  Oureouliarie  was  one 
who  had  taken  great  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  Romish 
Church.  The  Fathers  lunl  made  frequent  journeys  tlirough 
his  cunton,  (Onondaga,)  and  had  been  greatly  aided  by  his 
counsels.  He  omitted  nothing  of  that  Avliich  he  esteemed  most 
proper  to  dispose  the  minds  of  his  people,  so  that  they  should 
he  nearer  the  French.  Besides,  this  Garakontie  Avas  still  alive, 
:iii(l  although  a  fervent  Christian,  ho  had  remained  at  Onon- 
(higu,  wlierc  his  presence  was  considered  necessary  to  profit 
by  the  opportunities  which  presented  themselves  to  re-estab- 
hsh  commerce  between  us  and  his  countrymen,  which  had  de- 
clined. This  veneral)le  old  man,  deprived  as  he  was  of  all 
spiritual  succor,  in  the  midst  of  this  Jiabylon,  never  allowed 
his  piety  or  zeal  to  relax ;  and  by  the  coui-se  which  he  took, 
uhvays  to  husband  his  credit,  which  like  another  Daniel,  he 


208 


ONONDAGA. 


i'  i 

1  I 


If 


Mim 


found  more  than  once  to  be  the  secret,  to  cause  the  intrigues 
of  the  English  to  wreck,  which  witliout  such  help,  would  often 
have  reduced  us  to  dreadful  extremities.  lie  died  at  St.  Louis, 
(Canada,)  1G03. 

I  could  not  know  whether  Teganesorens  was  at  that  time 
a  Christian  or  not,  but  it  is  certain  he  was  one  while  at  Onon- 
daga, and  that  ho  perfectly  seconded  the  good  designs  of  Gar- 
akontie,  and  I  feel  bold  to  assert  that  New  France  was  in  a 
good  degree  indebted  to  the  good  offices  of  these  three  sages, 
without  which  the  country  and  inhabitants  would  have  been 
continually  overrun  by  parties  of  the  enemy.  It  seems  by 
what  follows,  that  these  missionaries  were  in  continuid  dread 
of  the  English,  who  certainly  were  continually  gaining  favor 
with  the  Iro(|uois. 

1(395.  ile  says  that  forty  pioneers,  having  gone  towards 
Onondaga,  some  of  them  had  advanced  as  far  as  the  River 
Chouguen,  (Oswego,)  where  they  saw  thirty-four  boats  of  the 
Iroquois  coming  down,  and  even  heard  some  of  them  say  to 
each  other,  that  they  would  soon  pay  the  Fathers  and  the 
brethren  of  the  Sault  St.  Louis  such  a  visit  as  they  did  not 
expect.  Other  parties  confirraed  the  intelligence,  that  a  great 
number  of  Iroquois  were  in  the  field.  All  used  due  diligence 
to  convey  the  intelligence  to  the  Governor  of  Montreal,  that 
he  might  have  opportunity  to  secure  his  posts  free  from  insult, 
advising  ]Monsicur  De  Frontcnac  to  form  a  body  of  eight 
hundred  men  in  the  Isle  of  Perrot,  to  check  them.  A  battle 
ensues,  in  which  the  Indians  are  defeated,  by  Momieur  De  La 
Durantaye. 

1709.  He  further  says :  It  was  more  than  a  year  since 
Father  Mareuil,  a  missionary  of  Onondaga,  had  given  advice 
to  the  Governor  General,  that  the  Irof^uois  were  anxiously  so- 
licited to  declare  against  the  French,  and  that  one  of  these 
savages,  to  whom  much  influence  had  been  awarded,  wiis  the 
secret  author  of  this  intrigue.  :M.  de  Vaudreuil  had  given  no 
credence  to  the  advice,  prejudiced  as  he  was  in  favor  of  the 
perfidious  Iroquois,  but  all  along  had  treated  them  with  the 
greatest  confidence  and  friendship. 


MISSIONS. 


209 


The  Jesuit  Missions  among  the  Iroquois  began  sensibly  to 
decline  after  the  year  1700.  Still  there  were  for  a  season 
martyrs  and  proselytes ;  and  although  isolated  members  of 
the  Society  of  Jesus  were  occasionally  to  be  found,  their  influ- 
ence was  greatly  weakened  with  the  advances  of  the  English  ; 
and  when  that  people  gained  the  ascendancy  by  the  conquest 
of  the  French  colonies  of  North  America,  the  French  mis- 
sionaries, one  by  one,  reluctantly  relinquished  their  posts,  and 
abandoned  their  fields  of  labor.  It  is  true,  the  Passamaquad- 
(ly,  Penobscot  and  St.  Regis  Inc^ians,  held  on  longer  than  the 
rest,  but  even  they  have  dwindled  to  almost  nothing,  and  what 
little  of  Christianity  remains  to  them  has  nearly  if  not  quite 
yielded  to  Protestantism,  while  among  the  Mohawks,  the  Onei- 
tlas,  the  Onondagas,  the  Cayugas  and  Senecas,  the  traces  of 
these  missions,  once  so  famous  and  so  interesting  to  the  whole 
Christian  world,  are  entirely  obliterated,  and  the  posterity  of 
those  inhabitants,  who  once  listened  with  eagerness  to  the 
sound  of  chapel  bell,  "  the  deep  toned  summons  to  worship 
God,"  and  united  in  the  devotions  of  the  mass  with  earnest- 
ness and  zeal,  know  nothing  of  these  things  that  have  passed. 
To  them  it  is  as  if  nothing  had  been  done.  The  blood  of 
martyrs  has  been  freely  shed,  the  blood  of  martyrs  to  a  pecu- 
liar faith.  logues,  Du  Poisson  and  Souel,  fell  mangled  with 
clubs,  and  their  bones  bleached  in  the  wilderness.  Brebeuf, 
Lallemand  and  Senat,  died  at  the  stake,  amid  the  yells  of  in- 
furiated demons,  quietly  yielding  their  spirits  to  God  with  re- 
signation and  in  prayer. 

Charlevoix  gives  a  particular  and  minute  account  of  the 
life  and  death  of  several  Iroquois  Christians  and  martyrs  who 
juffered  for  the  faith. 

xV  host  of  the  natives  at  different  seasons  have  suffered  mar- 
tyrdom among  the  Iroquois,  but  it  has  signified  nothing ;  the 
blessing  of  God  did  not  sustain  them  ;  a  few  generations  have 
passed  away,  and  all  foot-prints  of  Jesuit  teachings  have  dis- 
appeared ;  their  existence  among  the  sons  of  the  forest  is  un- 
known, and  but  for  their  own  preserved  records,  their  history 
would  be  a  perfect  blank. 

27 


!  n 


I    ... 


^ 


210 


ONONDAGA. 


CHAPTER   VII. 


ENGLISH,  GERIMAN,  AND  AMERICAN  MISSIONS. 


Hpl 

|l 

wil^ 

m 

n  ' 

1 !  li 

New-England  Mission,  by  Rkv.  John  Eliot — Mohawk  Missions — German  Mir 
BioN  AT  Onondaga,  1760 — Oneida  Mission,  Rkv.  Samuel  Kirkland,  176G 
Rev.  Samson  Ocoum,  1786 — Bishop  Hobart,  Mission  at  Oneiua,  1816 — Mis- 
sionary Operations  at  Onondaga,  181C — Methodist  Missions  at  Oneida 
AND  Onondaga,  1829 — Indian  School. 

While  the  scenes  were  enacting,  which  have  just  been  re- 
lated, it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  all  Christendom,  except  the 
Jesuits,  were  asleep  or  unconscious  of  what  was  passing ;  or, 
unmindful  of  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  savages.  At  a  very 
early  period,  some  of  the  clergy  of  New-England,  took  into 
consideration  the  possibility  and  propriety  of  introducing  among 
these  benighted  people,  the  light  of  the  Gospel.  As  early  ;n 
1647,  Parliament  was  solicited  to  aid  in  so  beneficent  a  work. 
The  result  was,  that  that  body  passed  an  ordinance,  July  27, 
1649,  authorizing  the  orgaiiigation  of  a  society  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  civilization  and  Christianity,  among  the  Indians 
of  New-England.  Under  the  patronage  of  this  society,  schools 
were  established,  and  the  Gospel  gratuitously  preached  among 
the  Indians.  Among  those  who  were  foremost  in  this  good  work, 
was  the  great  Apostle  to  the  Indians,  John  Eliot,  who,  after 
ministering  for  many  years  to  the  spiritual  necessities  of  the  In- 
dians, in  1663,  had  translated  the  whole  Bible  into  Indian,  with 
a  Catechism  and  the  Psalms  of  David,  in  Indian  verse.  Eliot's 
Indian  Bible,  was  the  first  vcivsion  of  the  Scriptures  ever  printed 
on  the  American  continent.  A  copy  of  this  Bible  is  in  the 
library   of  Harvard   University,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  to  the 


MISSIONS. 


211 


IIONS. 


! — Gkeman  iMlS- 

CiRKLAND,    176tj 

IDA,  1816— Mis- 
eons  AT  Oneida 


ist  been  re- 
1,  except  the 
passing;  or, 
At  a  very 
:1,  took  into 
ucing  among 
As  early  ;h 
3ent  a  work, 
ce,  July  27, 
for  the  ad- 
the  Indians 
iety,  schools 
ched  among 
s  good  work, 
;,  who,  after 
es  of  the  In- 
Indian,  with 
•se.  Eliot's 
ever  printed 
e  is  in  the 
ss.,   to  the 


accomplished  librarian  of  which,  the  author  is  indebted  for  a 
sidit  of  this  highly  interesting  and  antique  volume.  The  title 
to  this  Bible  is  as  follows :  "  Mamussc  Wunneetupanatamkve. 
Up  Bibliim  God  Naneeswe  Nakkone  Testament,  kah  wonk 
Wuskii  Testament." 

Other  works  were  translated  and  published  in  the  Indian 
language,  for  the  advancement  of  Christianity  among  the  In- 
dians. It  is  by  no  means  asserted,  that  there  were  no  visible 
marks  of  the  progressive  labors  of  the  Xow-England  Mission- 
aries. For  a  long  time  the  missions  were  considered  flourish- 
ing. Many  reverend  gentlemen,  and  even  laymen  of  piety 
and  intelligence,  learned  the  Indian  language,  and  visited  and 
prayed  among  them.  They  were  prepared  to  carry  the  Gos- 
pel to  every  hut  and  every  heart,and  often  found  such  respon- 
ses, as  gave  them  renewed  courage  and  flattering  hopes  of  per- 
manent success.  On  the  12th  of  May,  1700,  there  were 
thirteen  Protestant  ministers  of  the  Gospel  supported  by  the 
.government  in  the  plantations  of  North  America,  receiving 
from  ten  to  thirty  pounds  each,  besides  some  other  Protestants 
who  were  missionaries  on  their  own  account.* 

Although  large  sums  of  money  were  expended  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  this  plan,  and  the  energies  of  a  powerful  corpo- 
ration brought  to  bear  in  its  aid,  and  all  the  learning  and  talent 
of  New-England,  and  much  of  that  of  the  mother  country, 
applied  in  pressing  on  this  important  work,  still  the  missions 
of  New-England  in  their  time  and  in  their  turn,  declined,  lan- 
guished, and  at  length  expired.  Two  hundred  years  have  not 
yet  rolled  around,  and  a  Bible,  the  fruit  of  many  years  of 
diligent  labor^  translated  expressly  for  a  people  whose  salva- 
tion was  the  end  and  aim  of  the  great,  the  gracious  and  the 
good  of  that  era,  lives  only  as  a  literary  curiosity,  on  the 
shelves  of  a  very  few  libraries  in  Christendom ;  while  not  a 
being  who  now  inhabits  this  earth,  can  intei'pvct  a  solitary 
sentence  of  it.     Tlie  race  for  whose  benefit  these  holy  words 


II 


'.  <  { 


*  London  Documents,  1700. 


Am 


212 


ONONDAGA. 


were  arranged,  has  passed  away,  and  with  them  then-  religion, 
their  literature,  and  even  their  very  names. 

In  the  year  1700,  the  Earl  of  Belomont,  then  Governor  of 
New- York,  memorialized  the  lords  of  trade  and  plantations, 
on  the  want  of  "  some  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England,  to 
instruct  the  Five  Nations  of  Indians,  and  to  prevent  their 
l)eing  practised  upon  by  the  French  priests  and  Jesuits." 
Whereupon  the  said  lords  submitted  a  representation  on  the 
subject  to  Queen  Anno,  who  by  an  order  in  council,  sanc- 
tioned their  proposal,  for  the  appointment  of  two  clergymen, 
and  referred  the  accomplishment  of  the  plan  to  the  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury.  Even  before  this.  Lord  Belomont  intended 
to  build  a  fort  and  chapel  in  the  country  of  the  Onondagas, 
and  the  matter  was  carried  so  far,  that  King  William  ordered 
and  sent  over  plate  and  furniture  for  a  chapel  there,  but  the 
design  of  building  it  was  abandoned  upon  the  death  of  that 
monarch,  which  event  took  place  in  1702.*  In  1701,  the  As- 
sembly of  New-York,  granted  sixty  pounds  a  year  to  Rev. 
Bernardus  Freeman,  minister  of  the  Gospel  at  Schenectady, 
as  his  salary  for  instructing  the  Indians  of  the  Five  Nations, 
and  fifteen  pounds  a  year  for  his  charges  and  expenses. f  Al- 
though the  measure  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  Queen 
Anne,  so  far  as  the  government  was  concerned,  appears  to  have 
been  suggested  by  motives  of  political  expediency,  quite  as  much 
as  by  a  desire  for  the  conversion  of  the  savages.  Still  the  society 
took  advantage  of  the  opportunity  of  establishing  a  mission 
among  the  Iroquois  Indians.  The  Rev.  Thoroughgood  Moor 
arrived  at  New-York,  on  this  noble  service,  in  the  vear  1704. 
The  enterprize,  hoAvever,  was  not  attended  with  that  success 
which  its  importance  seemed  to  demand.  The  Indians  from 
appearances,  were  wholly  unprepared  to  profit  by  missionary 
instructions.  In  the  first  report  made  to  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  under  whose  pa- 
tronage the  mission  was  established,  it  is  said,  "  there  are  de- 
mandss  upon  the  Society  for  ministers,  schools  and  libraries. 


*  London  Documents,  1700,  p.  139. 


t  Ibid. 


MISSIONS. 


213 


For  the  Mohawks.     For  the  Oncidas.     1  for  the  Onontages. 
1  for  the  Cayougas.     1  for  the  Sinnekes." 

In  1700,  four  sachems  went  to  England,  to  confirm  the 
peace  which  had  been  m{ide  by  their  nations  with  the  Governor 
of  New-York,  and  to  request  Her  jMajesty  would  be  pleased  to 
take  measures  for  the  instruction  of  their  subjects  in  the  truths 
of  Christianity. 

This  request  having  been  submitted  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  to  the  Society,  it  was  agreed  to  send  two  mission- 
aries, together  Avith  an  interpreter  and  school-master  to  the 
•'Mohocks  and  Oneides  Indians;"  i'ld  the  Queen  gave  direc- 
tions for  the  erection  of  a  fort,  with  a  chapel  and  house  for 
the  clergyman,  in  the  country  of  the  ]Moliocks.  The  Rev. 
William  Andrews,  the  first  missionary  selected,  arrived  at  Al- 
bany, in  1712 ;  and  in  giving  an  account  of  his  reception,  he 
says :  "  When  we  came  near  the  town,  we  saAV  the  Indians 
upon  the  banks,  looking  out  for  my  coming.  They  received 
me  with  abundance  of  joy  ;  every  one  shaking  me  by  the  hand, 
biddina:  me  welcome  over  and  over." 

A  school  was  established  with  this  mission,  at  which  about 
twenty  children  usually  attended.  After  about  six  years  of 
labor,  toil  and  disappointment,  Mr.  Andrews  solicited  that  the 
Society  should  remove  him  from  his  mission,  which  was  finally 
done.  He  gives  anything  but  a  favorable  report  of  the  suc- 
cess of  his  labors,  saying,  "  There  is  no  hope  of  making  tliem 
better.  Heathen  they  are,  and  Heathen  they  still  must  be." 
After  this,  for  many  years,  the  Rev.  Henry  Barclay,  D.  D., 
Rev.  John  Ogilvie,  D.  D.,  and  others,  who  were  missionaries 
at  Albany,  continued  to  visit  and  officiate  among  the  Mohawks. 
Although  most  of  the  Christian  Indians  were  from  among  the 
Mohawks  and  Oneidas,  still  the  Onondagas  did  not  fail  to  ob- 
tain some  knowledge  of  the  duties  and  doctrines  of  Christi- 
anity from  that  source. 

The  Queen  Anne  had  the  good  of  the  Five  Nations,  at  all 
times,  very  much  at  heart,  and  sought  by  various  means  to 
arouse  their  minds  to  a  sense  of  religious  duty.  It  appears, 
this  sovereign  took  no  ordinary  interest  in  their  spiritual  wel- 


,  , 


!  \< 


•ill 


^nr 


214 


ONONDAGA. 


faro,  and  among  other  proofs  of  her  beneficence,  she  ordered 
the  erection  of  a  neat  and  commodious  chapel  in  the  Mohawk 
country,  and  the  gift  of  a  valuable  communion  service  to  that 
people.  A  set  was  ordered  for  each  of  the  other  four  of  the  Five 
Nations ;  but  it  appears  that  only  the  Mohawks  received  theirs. 
There  Avcre  five  pieces,  of  plain,  pure  and  massive  silver,  and 
each  piece  bears  tlie  following  inscription  :  "  The  gift  of  Her 
Majesty  Ann,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France 
and  Ireland,  and  of  Iler  Plantations  in  North  America,  Queex, 
to  her  Indian  Chappel  of  the  Mohawks."  The  chapel  at  Fort 
Hunter  was  erected  of  stone,  about  tlie  year  1710,  and  a  glebe 
of  three  hundred  acres  of  land  attached  to  it.  It  was  fur- 
nished Avitli  a  bell,  which  we  are  informed  is  now  used  at  the 
Academy  in  Johnstown.  This  chapel  was  torn  down  in  1820, 
to  make  room  for  the  Eric  Canal.  The  parsonage  is  still 
standing  in  siglit  of  the  canal,  an  antiquated  ])uilding  two  stories 
high,  with  a  square  roof,  about  half  a  mile  below  Schoharie. 
The  author  has  been  informed,  that  the  bell  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  xVlbauy,  N.  Y.,  has  this  inscription  :  "  St.  Peter's 
""'Mirch,  in  Albany,  ITol,  J.  Ogilvie,  ^.^inister,  J.  Stevenson, 
K.  Collins,  Vrardens."  The  Bible  used  there,  is  over  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  years  old,  having  been  printed  in  1710. 
The  communion  plate,  which  is  very  heavy,  and  numbers 
six  pieces,  was  a  present  fr(nn  Queen  Anne.  Upon  each 
piece  is  engraved  as  follows :  "  The  gift  of  Her  Majesty, 
Ann,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  and  of  Her  Plantations  in  North  America,  Queen, 
to  her  Indian  Chappel  of  the  Onondawgus." 

A.     R. 
\_Coat  of  Arms.'\ 

The  plate  consists  of  six  pieces,  viz. :  one  chalice,  two  flag- 
ons, and  three  patens. 

By  this,  it  would  seem,  that  the  good  Queen  contemplated 
the  erection  of  a  chapel  in  the  Onondagas  country,  and  the 
furnishing  it  with  a  suitable  communion  service  ;  and  why  the 
plan  was  broken  up,  or  the  valuable  plate  designed  for  it,  re- 
ceived another  destination  is  now  probably  past  explanation, 


MISSIONS, 


215 


unless  it  be  the  following,  which  we  have  presumed.  On  the 
plate  presented  to  the  Mohawks,  the  date  is  1712.  The  two 
sets  were  undoubtedly  ordered  at  this  time.  But  as  yet,  there 
had  been  no  chapel  erected  for  the  Onondagas  and  the  proba- 
bility is,  the  date  was  omitted  at  the  period  of  its  manu- 
facture, to  be  engraved  at  the  time  it  should  be  proper  to  pre- 
sent it  to  this  people.  And  it  is  highly  probable  that  the 
missionary  intrusted  with  its  care,  was  instructed  also  to  effect 
the  building  of  the  chapel.  Frequent  mention  is  made  in  the 
London  Documents,  of  the  anxiety  of  the  Home  Government 
to  effect  that  object.  St.  Peters  was  organized  in  1716,  and 
Hi  the  chapel  for  the  Onondagas  was  not  built  as  was  antici- 
pated, this  valuable  memento  of  a  sovereign's  kindness  was 
lost  to  them  and  retained  at  Albany. 

Sir  William  Johnson,  during  bis  sojourn  in  America  from 
1750  to  1775,  used  the  whole  weight  of  his  influence  and  en- 
ergies for  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  Christianity, 
schools  and  civilization  among  the  Iroquois,  especially  the 
Mohawks,  in  Avhose  country  he  was  located ;  and  missiona- 
ries, catechists  and  school  teachers,  were  continually  among 
them.  The  Divine  blessing  followed  these  pious  endeavors, 
and  many  of  the  Mohawk  nation,  and  individuals  of  other 
tribes,  were  converted  to  Christianity. 

At  the  approach  of  the  great  contest  of  1776,  as  was  very 
natural,  the  Mohawks  took  sides  with  the  crown  of  Great 
Britian,  from  Avhom  they  had  received  numberless  favors. 
Their  attachment  to  the  royal  cause,  naturally  excited  the 
hostility  of  the  republicans,  and  they  were  eventually  com- 
pelled to  flee  their  native  country,  as  they  termed  it  "  the 
country  which  the  Great  Spirit  had  given  to  their  forefathers." 
The  local  attachments  of  the  Iroquois  are  said  to  be  stronger 
than  in  any  other  race.  It  is  not  easy,  therefore,  to  estimate 
the  sacrifice  of  feeling,  which  this  expatriation  must  have  cost. 

In  1776,  one  party,  consisting  of  a  majority  of  the  nation, 
fled  to  Niagai'a,  under  the  guidance  of  the  celebrated  captain 
Joseph  Brant,  and  eventually  settled  on  Grand  River,  where 
they  still  reside.     The  other  party,  under  cnptain  .John  Dese- 


r  '  J 1 


'III 


b  n 


I ': 


'  f 


H 


)  II 


In    i 


i  I'M 


I 


i 

ii 


216 


ONONDAGA. 


rontyon,  escaped  to  Lower  Caniidii.  After  a  Rojourn  of  seven 
years  at  La  Chine,  in  that  province,  they  proceeded  to  the  spot 
selected  by  their  chief,  on  the  Bay  of  Quinte',  \v  the  upper  pro- 
vince, W'hic'li  they  reached  on  the  15th  of  May,  1784,  and 
have  occupied  ever  since.  This  tract  of  hmd  was  immedi- 
ately surveyed  and  called  Tyendenaga,  in  honor  of  the  prin- 
cipal chief  of  the  nation,  which  name  it  still  retains.*  There 
are  now,  (1848)  exclusively  Mohawks,  at  this  station,  four  hun- 
dred and  eighty  souls.  At  the  Grand  River  station,  there 
are  over  two  thousand  souls,  including  those  of  other  tribes 
of  the  Six  Nations. 

The  Indian  Church  at  the  Bay  of  Quinte,  was  originally 
a  square  wooden  building,  used  both  as  a  school  house,  and 
place  of  worship  ;  but  as  the  congregation  increased,  it  was 
lengthened,  and  a  spire  and  belfry  added.  Since  this,  it  has 
been  confined  to  sacred  purposes  exclusively.  It  stands  on  a 
gentle  elevation  on  the  borders  of  the  Bay  of  Quinte.  The 
spot  selected  for  its  location  is  a  beautiful  one,  and  does  credit 
to  the  taste  of  its  founder.  The  first  cottages  of  the  Indians, 
which  have  long  since  fallen  to  decay,  stood  along  the  margin 
of  the  Bay,  having  the  church  in  the  centre,  forming  what 
was  called  the  "  Mohawk  village."  The  occupants  of  these, 
subsisted  partly  by  tilling  the  soil,  and  partly  upon  the  chase 
and  waters.  But  the  rapid  settlement  of  the  adjacent  town- 
ships, and  the  increase  of  steamers  which  ply  upon  the  Bay, 
have  so  diminished  these  last  resources,  that  their  descendants 
have  been  obliged  to  disperse  over  the  tract,  to  seek  a  liveli- 
hood by  the  more  laborious,  but  certain  process  of  farming. 

In  1843,  this  portion  of  the  Mohawk  tribe  resolved  on  re- 
placing their  old  church,  which  was  fiist  falling  to  decay,  with  a 
new  one  of  stone,  which  has  since  been  done.  This  new  church 
is  very  much  admired,  as  well  for  the  elegance  of  its  structure, 
as  for  the  beauty  of  the  site  upon  which  it  is  erected.      It  is 


*  The  author  is  indebted  for  these  facts,  to  a  pamphlet  piibhshed  in  Londnn, 
]  6-13,  by  Rev.  Saltern  Given?,  missionary  among  tlie  Moiiawks  at  Bay  of  Quints, 
iuid  parts,  adjacent  politely  furnished  by  him,  and  also  for  his  communication. 


M  I S  R  T  O  N  S . 


217 


furnished  with  a  neiit  altar-piece,  contaiiiln{»  the  creed,  the 
Lord's  j)rayor  and  the  ton  conunan(hncnta,  in  the  Mohawk 
I;iii;,'uago,  surmounted  by  the  royal  arms  of  England,  hand- 
sKinely  carved  and  gilt,  as  well  as  a  fine  toned  l)ell,  cast  1787. 
These  Avero  the  gift  of  his  majesty  George  the  third,  and 
were  brought  from  England  by  the  late  Sir  John  Johnson. 

Besides  the  church  furnitm-e  already  alluded  to,  they  have 
in  their  possession  a  part  of  the  plate,  (two  pieces,)  a  ilagon 
anil  paten,  originally  given  to  tiie  nation  by  Queen  Anne. 
Tiie  "gift"  was  fii-st  intended  for  the  nation  collectively,  but 
it  has  been  divided,  and  a  part  (three  pieces)  retained  by  their 
brethren,  at  Grand  lliver  ;  ami  althougli  it  has  been  confided 
to  the  care  of  individuals  of  ^the  nation  for  at  least  one  lum- 
ilred  and  thirty-five  years,  the  articles  are  in  an  excellent  state 
of  preservation.  Even  the  "  fair  white  linen  elotli  for  the 
oommunion  table,"  beautifully  inwrought  Avitli  (Unices,  emble- 
matical of  the  rank  of  the  royal  donor,  although  unfit  for  use, 
is  still  in  such  a  state  of  preservation  as  to  admit  of  their 
being  easily  traced.  The  gray-haired  matron,  a  descendant 
of  the  chief,  the  present  guardian  of  thc-se  treasures  which 
she  considers  as  the  heir-loom  of  her  family,  accounts  for  the 
mutilated  state  of  the  cloth  l)y  o))serviug,  th;.t  during  the 
revolutionary  war  it  was  buried  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the 
liaiuls  of  their  enemies. 

This  mission  is  at  this  day  represented  as  being  in  a  very 
prosperous  condition.  They  have  a  prosperous  Sunday  school. 
The  service  is  conducted  partly  in  English  ami  partly  in  j\Io- 
liawk,  as  many  of  the  Indians  understand  English  and  a  num- 
ber  of  white  families  attend.  The  instruction  from  tho  pul- 
pit is  conveyed  through  an  interpreter.  The  singing  is  in 
Indian.  In  this  sacred  service,  the  Indians  are  thought  by 
competent  judges  to  excel.  The  sacraments  of  the  church 
arc  duly  administered :  the  number  of  communicants  is  about 
forty-five. 

The  translations  among  them  are  as  folloAvs  : 

The  four  Gospels,  St.  Paul's  Epistles  to  the  Corinthians, 
and  a  selection  of  important  texts  of  scripture. 

28 


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218 


ONONDAGA. 


The  Common  I'niycr  with  the  offices,  and  a  form  of  fumilv 
prayer. 

A  selection  of  Hymns  nnd  Psahns. 

The  Book  of  the  propiiet  Jsaiah  and  otlier  portions  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures. 

They  have  various  portions  of  the  Old  Testament  translatt'd 
l»ut  not  printed. 

Of  late  years,  the  Indians  of  Canada  have  attracted  movv 
attention  than  formerly,  nnd  it  is  gratifyin<^  to  he  enahU'd  t(i 
state  that  the  missionary  endeavors  nuide  hy  various  hodies  of 
Oiiristians  have  been  crowned  with  a  great  measure  of  suc- 
cess. The  Wesleyan  Methodists  have  several  missions,  and  the 
Moravians  two. 

There  are  two  niissions  supported  hy  the  New  .En;,dand  com- 
pany, on  the  (Jrand  Kiver,  in  connection  with  tlie  Protestant 
Ei)iscopal  churcli.  One  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  Abra- 
ham Nelles,  among  the  Mohawks,  and  another  under  the  Rev. 
Adam  Elliott  among  tlu;  Tuscaroras. 

This  company  was  originally  established  for  the  conversion 
of  the  Indians,  in  New  England  and  the  parts  adjacent,  ami 
still  possesses  considerable  landed  property  in  one  of  the  New 
England  States. 

At  the  Tuscarora  village  is  a  church  styled  St.  Johns,  at 
which  the  Onondagas  assemble  for  divine  worship.  About 
one  half  of  the  Onondagas  are  adherents  to  the  Church. 

Mr.  Nelles  has  a  co])y  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  printed 
A.  D.  1701,  and  presented  to  the  Mohawks  in  1712,  probably 
by  Her  Majesty,  with  the  communion  plate.* 

Mr.  Elliott's  mission  is  at  Tuscarora  village,  where  are  set- 
tled about  three  hundred  and  sixty  Tuscaroras,  two  hundred 
and  eighty  Onondagas,  five  huiulred  Cayugas,  about  two  hun- 
dred Senecas  and  Oneidas,  and  a  few  Mohawks,  making  in 
all  over  two  thousand  souls.  These  are  settled  on  lands  as- 
signed them  by  the  English  government,  amounting  to  about 
fifty  thousand  acres,  and  are  the  national  property  of  the  In- 


*  Rev.  Adam  Elliott's  letter. 


MISSIONS, 


210 


(liaiis.  No  iiidlvidiuil  hns  any  porrnunciit  jji-operty  in  a  sin- 
<l\c  acre  of  them.  Here  they  are  repreHented  us  making 
icspoctable  proficiency  in  the  connnon  arts,  in  agricnltiu'e,  and 
in  school  education. 

The  other,  Mr.  Nelles'  mission,  is  established  at  Brantford, 
(iiiiiiu'd  after  the  celebrated  FJrant,)  attheheail  of  ])\irlin;^ton 
Hay.  At  this  [)laee  are  about  ei^ht  hundred  Mohawks,  with 
;i  tew  of  the  above  nations  intermixed. 

At  both  of  these  stations  arc  schools,  which  employ  si,x 
school  masters  and  one  scliool  mistress.  At  each  of  them, 
there  is  a  house  of  industry  or  nu'chanical  institution,  main- 
tiiiiu'd  by  the  New  En,f.dand  society,  where  the  Indians  are 
taiijllit  to  construct  their  ordinary  farming  utensils  and  other 
iiiipK'incnts  in  common  use  amonu;  them.  Tlu're  is  also  a 
>elio()l  where  ^'irls  are  tau<;ht  needle  work,  knittin;.',  writinti, 
roadin;:,  &c.  The  results  of  both  these  missions  are,  that  the 
Mi)liinvks,  Tuscaroras  and  Oneidas,  are  entirely  Christians ; 
the  Onondarras  and  the  few  Dclawares  mostly  so,  the  latter 
hoinji  recent  converts.  Of  the  Seneci'S,  not  so  many  as  half 
hiive  been  baptised,  and  the  Cayugas  hold  out  obstinately,  al- 
li'ilaiajr  that  thev  have  not  been  well  treated  bv  the  British."'' 

Both  these  stations  are  adorned  with  beautiful  chui'chcs,  and 
the  one  at  the  ^Slokawk  settlement  has  one  half  of  the  valua- 
hlc  connnunion  set,  originally  fui-nishe<l  the  nation  by  Queen 
Anne,  consisting  of  a  ilagon,  chalice  and  paten. 

Every  thing  relating  to  these  missions  is  most  floiuishing. 
The  missionaries,  the  schools  and  the  mechanics'  institution?-, 
at  these  places,  besides  other  schools  throughout  the  Indian 
(settlements,  are  all  supported  by  the  bounty  of  the  New  Eng- 
land society  and  reflect  the  highest  credit  on  that  respectable 
liody.  Their  exertions  for  the  temporal  and  spiritual  auielio- 
ration  of  the  Indians  of  this  diocese  merit  the  thanks  of  every 
Christian  in  the  colony. f 

Thus  we  see  that  the  attention  of  the  Christian  public  is 


*  Indian  n)i-<sions  in  Upper  Canadn,  .Tames  Beaveu,  U.  P..  London  Edition.  1S40. 
t  Journal  of  visitation  by  tlie  Lord  Bishop  of  Toronto,  London  Edition  1^11. 


P  I  . 


I'  I 


%•  > 


ii 


■  f. 


•  fi 


I    ; 


f    f 

f 


'* 


220 


ONONDAGA. 


yet  directed  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  tliis  lonp;  ncfrlected  and 
much  injured  race,  and  if  it  was  increased,  it  would  greatly 
ameliorate  their  lot. 

The  Hernhutt,  or  Moravian  Brethren,  who  were  organized 
as  a  society  in  1722,  under  the  patronage  of  Count  Zinzen- 
dorf,  also  formed  the  idea  of  establishing  an  affiliated  society 
in  America,  and  a  mission  among  the  Indians,  about  1740. 
Their  principal  settlement  and  scat  of  operations,  was  at  Beth- 
lehem, in  Pennsylvania,  where  they  had  an  establishment  of 
considerable  importance.  This  little  colony  was  formed  at 
first  under  the  strict  laws  of  the  original  society,  viz :  "  Se- 
clusion from  the  world,  enjoyment  of  a  contemplative  life,  and 
possession  of  all  worldly  goods  in  common."  They  were  for 
a  while  very  successful  in  their  enterprises  among  the  Indians, 
the  Delawares,  Shawnese,  Lenna-Lenapes,  and  made  a  de- 
cided and  strenuous  effort  to  establish  themselves  among  the 
Iroquois,  of  which  the  following  is  the  history : 

Account  of  a  German  ^Mission  at  Onondaga  in  1750 : — 

Tt  is  a  matter  which  has  been  often  doubted  whether  or  not 
the  Dutch  had  ever  established  a  mission  at  Onondaga.  The 
Indians  themselves  retain  no  knowledge  of  it  by  record  or  tra- 
dition. 

The  following  from  the  Indian  Historiographer  Hecke^Yel- 
der,  sets  the  matter  at  rest.  Loskiel  mentions  the  same  facts 
in  substance.  The  individuals  engaged  in  this  mission  were 
Moravian  Brothers. 

Heckewoldcr  says :  The  most  remarkable  occurrence  of 
1750,  was  the  journey  of  Bishop  Cammerhof  and  brother  Da- 
vid Zeisbergcr  to  Onondaga,  the  chief  town  of  the  Iroquois. 
They  set  out  from  Betldehem  on  the  14th  of  jNIay,  having  ob- 
tained a  passport  from  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  request- 
ing all  subjects  of  the  British  Government  to  forward  their 
undertaking,  and  to  lend  them  all  possible  assistance.  The 
inhabitants  of  Tioga,  a  considerable  Indian  town,  as  Avell  as 
those  of  other  places,  were  surprised  to  find  that  the  Brethren 
were  going  to  Onondaga,  and  were  ac(|uainted  with  the  head 
chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations.     And  as  their  guide  purposely 


MISSIONS. 


221 


spread  this  account  wherever  they  came,  it  gained  them  great 
respect. 

On  the  19th  of  June  they  reached  Onondaga,  the  chief 
town  of  the  Six  Nations,  situated  in  a  very  pleasant  and  beau- 
tiful country,  and  consisting  of  five  small  towns  or  villages, 
through  which  runs  the  river  Zinoehsaa.  They  Avere  lodged 
at  the  house  of  Gronassatako,  who  received  them  with  much 
cordiality.  The  object  of  this  visit  was  Ijoth  to  fulfil  the 
promise  of  a  visit  to  the  great  council  of  the  Iroquois,  made 
last  year  to  the  deputies  at  Philadelphia,  and  to  obtain  leave 
for  some  bretliron  to  live  either  at  Onondaga  or  some  other 
chief  town  of  the  Iro'^uois,  to  learn  the  language,  and  to 
preach  the  gospel. 

Bishop  Canimcrhof  and  David  Zeisberger  having  notified 
their  urrival  to  the  council  in  the  usual  manner,  they  were  ad- 
mitted and  received  as  the  Deputies  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren,  and  their  message  taken  into  consideration. 
The  council  then  consisting  of  twenty-six  elderly  men  of  ven- 
erable itppcarance.  The  consultations  upon  the  message  last- 
ed long  ;  many  questions  were  put  to  the  Brethren,  ond  many 
belts  and  fathom  of  wampum  delivered.  The  Brothers  choos- 
ing to  let  the  subject  rest  for  a  while,  proceeded  to  the  settle- 
ments of  the  Cavugas  and  Sonecas.  On  their  return  thev 
found  that  the  chiefs  had  made  no  advances  in  their  cause. 
They  therefore  renewed  their  petition,  and  were  so  successful 
that  on  the  20th  of  July,  with  the  usual  ceremonies,  they  re- 
ceived the  followins  decision : 

That  the  Iroquois  nnd  the  Brethren  on  both  sides  of  the 
great  Ocean,  should  regard  each  other  as  l^rothevii.  That  this 
covenant  should  be  indissoluble,  and  that  the  two  Brethren 
should  have  leave  to  live  at  Onondaga  or  some  other  town,  to 
learn  their  language.  The  mission  was  for  a  season  very  suc- 
cessful, many  wore  converted  and  led  a  new  life,  being  bap- 
tized in  the  faith.  The  Brethren  returned  to  spend  the  win- 
ter in  Bethlehem. 

In  July,  1751,  the  Brethren  Zeisberger  and  Godfried  Rundt 
and  Martin  Mark,  set  out  for  Onondaga,  agreeable  to  the 


it  Eii'f^B.'H 


'  I 


i      I 


'  ml 


'ill 


222 


ONONDAGA. 


■-  i.j ; 

:■]  1,  i. 

!':'!r:. 

p-'g 

H,g  |!  ^ 

"."■'    ' 

'■iffiW 

B'sa  I ,  i 

1    ' 

ii 

III 

t                  * 

<&      t'   11       y    i  I    1 

treaty,  by  which  the  f^rcat  council  permitted  two  Brethren  to 
reside  at  Onondaga  and  learn  the  language.  The  Oneidas 
were  opposed  to  the  introduction  of  these  missionaries  at  On- 
ondaga, and  did  tlieir  best  to  prevent  it.  The  Brethren,  how- 
ever, would  not  be  repulsed.  They  were  gladly  received  and 
highly  flattered  by  the  Onondagas.  They  were  lodged  in  the 
chief's  house,  and  all  things  prospered.  The  Brethren  were 
treated  Avith  great  esteem  for  near  a  year,  when,  by  the  advice 
of  a  great  council,  and  on  account  of  the  troubles  and  war 
they  were  advised  by  the  Onondagas  to  retire  to  their  lionK's. 

In  1754,  Zeisberger  returned  to  his  post  in  Onondaga,  with 
a  brother  named  Charles  Frederick,  and  resided  there  almost 
a  whole  year.  The  chiefs  erected  a  house  for  him,  which 
proved  such  a  comfortable  retirement  that  they  resolved  to 
spend  the  winter,  which  they  did,  but  left  for  Bethlehem  early 
in  the  following  summer. 

The  missionary  Zeisberger  was  adopted  as  the  son  of  the 
principal  chief,  Canassetago,  and  had  much  influence  with 
the  Onondagas.  This  zealous  missionary  at  no  time  lost  sight 
of  the  importance  of  this  mission,  aiid  althouglv  not  a  laborer 
on  the  ground,  his  mind  Avas  occupied,  and  his  hands  and  heart 
engaged  in  preparing  for  an  effectual  and  permanent  estab- 
lishment in  this  fruitful  land,  of  a  prosperous  and  happy  mis- 
sion. 

The  same  author  says,  (page  428,)  Zeisberger,  about  the 
year  1768,  wrote  and  completed  two  grammars,  one  written  iu 
English,  and  the  other  in  German,  adapted  to  the  Indian  lan- 
guage, and  a  copious  dictionary,  German  and  Indian,  contain- 
ing seven  quarto  manuscript  volumes  of  more  than  seventeen 
hundred  and  seventy  pages  of  writing,  consisting  of  German 
words  and  phrase; ,  with  their  translation  into  Indian ;  upon 
which  he  justly  remarks  that  there  are  not  many  dictionaries 
of  this  size,  and  if  this  is  filled  with  genuine  Iroquois^,  it  is 
in  vain  to  speak  of  the  poverty  of  that  language. 

In  1776,  he  published  a  spelling  book,  and  other  primary 
books  for  learners,  with  juvenile  devotional  books,  calculated 
to  advance  the  cause  of  Christianity  among  the  Indians.   We 


■'^ma 


MISSIONS. 


223 


find  no  permanent  fruits  of  this  mission,  or  that  it  was  ever 
re-established,  although  feebly  continued  for  several  years. 

In  1770,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ashley,  who  was  a  missionary  at 
Ocquaga,  states  that  he  had  occasionally  preached  at  Onon- 
daga to  the  Indians,  and  that  a  Rev.  Mr.  Crosby  had  succeed- 
ed him.  He  also  mentions  the  names  of  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Peter  and  Henry  Avery,  who  had  preached  among  the  Tus- 
caroras,  Onondagas,  and  Ocquagas. 

The  next  mission  of  note  among  the  Iroquois,  was  that  es- 
tablished by  the  Rev.  Sanmci  Kirkland,  among  the  Oneidas, 
which  commenced  about  the  1st  of  August,  1760.  Since  a 
brief  account  of  this  mission  was  written,  and  since  this  work 
was  in  press,  the  author  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  the  Life 
iif  Samuel  Kii-kland,  by  his  grandson,  Samuel  K.  Lothrop, 
number  XV.  of  American  Biography,  conducted  by  Jared 
Sparks,  with  tlie  author's  permission  to  use  it  in  this  connec- 
tion, whicli  has  been  made  available. 

Samuel  Kirkland  was  born  at  Norwich,  Connecticut,  on  the 
1st  of  December,   1741.     His  fatlier  was  the   Rev.  Daniel 
Kirkland,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Third  Congregational  Church 
in  Norwich,  the  parish  of  Newcut.     His  mother  was  Hannah 
Perkins,  daughter  of  a  very  respectable  gentleman  of  Wind- 
sor, Connecticut.     Samuel  was  the  tenth  in  a  family  of  twelve 
children,  of  whom  five  were  sons.     The  ancestors  of  the  Kirk- 
liind  family  were  from  Scotland.     At  the  age  of  twenty  we 
find  Samuel  Kirkland  a  student,  at  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wheelock's 
School  at  Lebanon,  Conn.     In  the  autumn  of  1762,  he  en- 
tered the  Sophomore  class,  at  Princeton  College,  New  Jersey, 
which  was  a  place  of  resort  for  Indian  youth,  who  were  desir- 
ous of  procuring  a  classical  education,  and  others  who  were 
desirous  of  becoming  missionaries  among  the  Indians.     At 
Lebanon  and  Trinceton  his  studies  were  pursued  with  a  con- 
stant and  determined  reference  to  his  preparation  for  a  mis- 
sionary among  the  Indians. 

In  this  benevolent  design,  he  was  cheered  and  encouraged 
I'y  the  celebrated  Whitefield,  and  the  Rev.  .Air.  Kirkpatrick, 
ifather  of  the  late  Dr.  Kirkpatrick,  of  Salina,)  to  proceed^ 


8  W''' 


tmi 
\ 


n^, 

^Wn 


1 


' « I  1. 


ilii 


',;     f" 


224 


ONONDAGA. 


and  by  their  suggestions  and  advice,  was  induced  finally  to  lo- 
cate himself  among  the  Oneidas.  While  at  school,  he  had  ac- 
quired some  knowledge  of  the  language  of  the  Iroquois.  In 
the  autumn  of  his  senior  year,  he  left  College  for  the  purpose 
of  visiting  the  Senecas,  and  to  learn  their  language,  habits 
and  dispositions,  and  thus  become  qualified  to  be  their  spiritual 
teacher  and  guide. 

In  November,  1764,  he  set  out  for  his  mission,  and  in  hit- 
course,  spent  some  time  with  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  at  Johnson 

Hall. 

On  the  IGth  of  Jan.,  1765,  ii.  company  with  two  Senecas, 
he  set  out  for  the  Indian  country  on  foot.  The  weather  was 
severe,  and  the  earth  covered  with  a  great  body  of  snow,  over 
which  they  had  to  plod  their  way  by  the  help  of  snow  shoes. 
Our  young  missionary  was  burdened  with  a  pack,  containing 
clothes,  provisions,  and  a  few  books,  in  all  weighing  about  forty 

pounds. 

The  whole  country  was  a  wilderness,  and  the  last  vestige  of 
civilization  was  seen  at  Johnson  Hall.  Every  thing  looked 
gloomy  and  forbiding,  but  the  fervent  heart  of  this  pious  and 
devoted  youth,  beat  with  hopes  too  high  to  languish,  and  with 
aspirations  too  holy  to  relent. 

On  the  fifth  day,  the  party  arrived  at  a  village  of  the  Onei- 
das, where  they  rested  and  were  refreshed.  Afterwards  they 
proceeded  to  Onondaga,  where  they  remained  a  night,  and 
nearly  all  the  next  day. 

The  object  of  Mr.  Kirkland's  mission  was  explained  to  the 
Indians  in  the  council  house,  "a  building  nearly  eighty  feet 
long,  and  containing  four  fires,  in  which  they  assembled  in 
crowds  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning."  Towards  the 
evening  of  this  day,  they  left  Onondaga,  and  proceeded  on 
their  journey.  On  the  7th  of  February,  towards  evening, 
twenty-three  days  after  leaving  Johnson  Hall,  they  reached 
Kanadasegea,  the  principal  town  of  the  Senecas. 

In  due  time  the  object  of  his  visit  was  explained  in  council, 
and  he  was  permitted  to  remain  with  them,  and  was  taken 
into  the  family  of  the  head  sachem,  by  whom  he  was  ultimate- 


MISSIONS. 


225 


ly  adopted.  During  his  stay  among  the  Senecas,  his  life  was 
often  in  peril,  and  after  the  death  of  his  host,  which  occurred 
soon  after,  he  visited  Johnson  Hall,  and  on  his  way  spent  a 
night  at  Fort  ^^  Bennington,''  (Brewerton,)  where  he  was  sup- 
plied with  provisions  by  the  commanding  oflScer  of  the  gar- 
rison. After  visiting  the  Hall,  he  returned  to  the  Senecas  on 
the  29th  of  June,  where  his  arrival  was  hailed  with  joy.  Hia 
intercourse  with  the  Senecas  was  full  of  interest  and  adven- 
ture.   (See  Lothrop's  Life  of  Kirkland.) 

He  left  the  Senecas  country  in  May,  1766,  and  we  find  no 
traces  of  his  return  to  them  again  as  a  missionary. 

On  tlie  19th  of  June,  1766,  Mr.  Kirkland  was  ordained  at 
Lebanon,  and  on  the  same  day  received  a  commission  from 
the  "  Connecticut  Board  of  correspondents  of  the  Society  in 
Scotland,"  as  an  Indian  missionary. 

He  set  out  for  his  new  mission  on  the  7th  of  July,  and 
commenced  his  labors  among  the  Oncidas,  as  before  stated, 
about  the  1st  of  August,  176G,  with  whom  he  remained  up- 
wards of  forty  years.     He  at  once  earnestly  engaged  in  the 
good  work  of  teaching  the  Indians  the  principles  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  and  in  preaching  to  them  the  gospel.     He  made 
himself  master  of  their  language,  became  intimately  familiar 
with  all  their  customs  and  fancies,  and  greatly  endeared  him- 
self to  them  by  the  kindness  of  his  disposition,  his  assiduous 
attention,  and  by  liis  amiable  and  sympathizing  spirit.     He 
soon  gained  by  these  rave  qualities,  the  unlimited  confidence 
of  a  very  large  majority  of  the  Indians,  and  especially  of  two 
principal  chiefs,  Good  Peter  and  Skenendoah.     All  looked 
upon  him  as  a  friend  and  father,  all  were  anxious  to  hear  his 
words,  and  listen  to  liis  instructions.     He  was  particularly  in- 
strumental in  banishing  from  among  the  Oneidas  that  bane 
of  tlie  race,  intoxicating  drinks,  an  article  which  had  been 
freely  furnished  by  traders,  and  which,  through  his  influence, 
would  not  be  received  even  as  a  gift,  and  when  offered  in  one 
instance,  the  answer  Avas,  '•  It  is  contrary  to  the  minister's 
word,  and  our  agreement  with  him." 

On  the  19th  of  September,  1769,  he  was  married  to  Jeru- 

29 


K. 


I  i 


:.:   . 


1 1  )] }" 


226 


ONONDAGA. 


sha  Bingham,  a  niece  of  Dr.  Wheelock.  She  was  a  v^oman 
of  uncommon  energy,  sterling  good  sense,  with  a  vigorous 
understanding,  and  a  most  devout  heart,  with  a  mmd  deep  y 
imbued  with  the  principles  of  Christianity,  and  with  a  lively 
interest  in  the  cause  of  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  In- 
dians; she  was  therefore  well  qualified  to  be  a  partner  and 
help  to  her  husband,  and  to  share  with  him  the  labors  and  sa- 
crifices of  an  Indian  missionary. 

Mr  Kirkland  continued  his  residence  and  labors  among  the 
Oneidas,  with  such  success  as  the  turbulent  state  of  the  times 
admitted.  The  storm  of  impending  revolution  lowered  oyer 
the  western  horizon,  and  even  the  distant  wilds  of  Oneida 
were  not  deemed  secure  from  its  portentous  fury. 

Mr  Kirkland  was  in  religion  and  politics  a  pure  American 
patriot       His  influence  was  eagerly  sought  by  the  master 
spirits  and  actors  in  the  grand  drama  that  was  about  to  open 
to  the  world,  and  his  advice  and  opinions  were  solicited  .vith 
an  earnestness  which  proved  the  character  and  excellence  ot 
the  man.  and  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  abroad.  ^_ 
By  a  vote  of  the  Continental  Congress,  18th  July,  li.o, 
the  Commissioners  of  the  Northern  Department  were  recom- 
mended to  employ  the  Ilev.  Samuel  Kirkland  among  the  Six 
Nations  of  Indians,  in  order  to  secure  their  friendship  and 
to  continue  them  in  a  state  of  neutrality,  with  respect  to  the 
controversy  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies.    For 
this  purpose,  Mr.  Kirkland  was  employed,  and  to  accompLh 
the  object  he  exerted  his  powers  to  the  utmost,  took  long  jour- 
nies  among  the  Indian  nations,  and  atteu'ded  councils  at  Al- 
bany, German  Flats,  Oneida  and  Onondaga      At  first  he  .as 
flattered  with  a  prospect  of  success,  and  felt  confident  that 
the  Six  Nations  would  not  take  part  In  the  approaching  con- 
test      But  through  the  wiles  and  machinations  of  those  most 
in  the  Interest    of  the  crown,  his  hopes  and  expectations  .'crc 
defeated,  and  all  but  a  portion  of  his  faithful  Oneidus  we 
ranged  in  the  ranks  of  Britain. 

L  the  commencement  of  the  great  contest  of  the  revolu- 
tion, Mr.  Kirkland  removed  his  family  to  Stockbridge,  Mass,, 


MISSIONS. 


227 


a  woman 


for  fear  of  danger  which  might  arise  from  proximity  to  a  hos- 
tile foe,  while  living  in  a  location  likely  to  become  the  theatre 
of  sanguinary  war.  He  still  continued  his  labor  as  an  Indian 
missionary  among  the  Oneidas ;  his  healthful  influence  over 
them,  it  is  thought,  contributed  materially  to  secure  the  neu- 
trality, and  in  several  instances  the  friendship  and  services 
of  a  considerable  portion  of  the  Oneidas  to  the  American 
cause. 

He  was  appointed  a  chaplain  to  the  garrison  at  Fort  Schuy- 
ler and  other  posts,  Avith  rank  and  pay  of  Brigade  Chaplain, 
and  when  duty  permitted,  still  continued  his  labors  among  the 
Oneidas. 

In  1779,  he  was  Brigade  Chaplain  with  General  Sullivan, 
in  his  Indian  campaign,  after  which  he  returned  to  his  family 
at  Stockbridge.  During  the  remainder  of  the  war,  he  was 
part  of  the  time  at  Fort  Schuyler  and  the  neighborhood,  de- 
voting his  services  to  his  country  and  to  the  Indians.  After 
the  close  of  the  war,  (in  1784,)  Mr.  Kirkland,  at  the  earnest 
req^iest  of  the  nation,  resumed  his  missionary  labors  at  Onei- 
da, and  received  some  pay  for  special  services  rendered  dur- 
ing the  war.  Harvard  College  rendered  him  some  assistance, 
and  altogether,  comfortable  provision  was  made  for  his  sup- 
port. He  was  on  several  occasions  employed  as  an  interpre- 
ter in  the  formation  of  treaties,  and  every  where  possessed  an 
influence  which  could  not  well  be  dispensed  with. 

The  summer  of  1788  was  spent  by  him  in  visiting  the  wes- 
tern nations  of  the  confederacy,  as  far  as  Buffalo  Creek,  the 
main  object  of  which  was  to  learn  their  disposition  towards 
the  Christian  religion,  and  the  prospects  of  the  usefulness  of 
a  missionary  who  might  reside  among  them,  and  to  be  present 
at  a  treaty  to  be  held  in  their  country. 

For  his  valuable  services,  Messrs.  Phelps  and  Gorham 
granted  him  two  thousand  acres  of  land,  which  they  subse- 
quently confirmed  by  deed,  bearing  date,  April  22d,  1792. 
This  land  was  located  in  Ontario  County,  township  No.  7. 

In  1790,  the  State  of  New  York  and  the  Indians,  granted 
to  Mr.  Kirkland  and  his  sons,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Oneida, 


111    i 


P    i 


J'  U  i ' 


228 


ONONDAGA. 


about  four  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land. 
During  this  time,  his  labors  were  incessant  as  a  Christian 
minister.  Ho  preached  three  times  on  every  Lord's  day.  He 
held  evening  and  daily  conferences  during  the  week,  and  often 
visited  remote  villages  of  the  Indians. 

In  1792-3,  he  projected  his  "  Plan  of  Education  for  the 
Indians,  particularly  of  the  Five  Nations,"  in  addition  to 
smaller  schools,  which  had  previously  been  in  operation.     Out 
of  this  "Plan,"  grew  the  Hamilton  Oneida  Academy,  which 
was  incorporated  early  in  1703.     Soon  after  the  charter  was 
obtained,  he  endowed  the  institution  with  a  valuable  donation 
of  lands,  amounting  to  several  hundred  acres,  including  a  lot 
of  about  twelve  acres,  on  which  a  large  and  commodious  build- 
ing was  erected.     In  1810,  it  was  elevated  to  a  college,  and 
received  liberal  additions  to  its  funds  from  the  State  of  New- 
York,  and  the  donations  of  sundry  public  spirited  individuals. 
Additional  buildings  have  from  time  to  time  been  erected,  and 
the  college  has  held  a  reputable  rank  omong  the  classical  in- 
stitutions of  the  State.     The  establishment  of  this  institution 
of  learning,  for  the  mutual  benefit  of  the  frontier  inhabitants 
and  the  Indians,  was  the  last  important  act  of  Mr.  Kirkland's 
life .     Afterwards,  however,  so  far  as  strength  and  health  would 
permit,  he  continued  his  missionary  labors  among  the  Indians; 
and,  as  a  citizen,  took  a  lively  interest  in  everything  pertain- 
ing to  the  welfare  of  society,  and  the  rising  prosperity  of  the 
country.     The  remaining  fifteen  years  of  his  life,  were  marked 
with  peculiar  vicissitudes.     Ill  health,  bodily  infirmity,  pecu- 
niary embarrassments,  family  bereavements,  and  many  pain- 
ful events,  that  may  not  here  be  dwelt  upon.     He  was  a  man 
of  unbounded  benevolence  and  hospitality,  and  daily  supplied 
the  necessities  of  numbers  of  his  red  brethren,  from  his  own 
board ;  a  custom  which,  though  burdensome  and  expensive, 
could  not  be  departed  from.     He  loved  the  Indians,  and  by 
them  in  turn  was  he  most  sincerely  beloved. 

Among  missionaries,  there  are  few  who  have  been  more 
faithful  and  devoted  to  the  cause  of  truth,  or  have  made  larger 
sacrifices,  exposed  themselves  to  greater  perils  and  hardships, 


MISSIONS. 


229 


or  had  their  efforts  crowned  with  a  greater  measure  of  succeas, 
than  the  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  Missionary  to  the  Onei- 
(las. 

He  lived  and  acted  through  a  most  interesting  period  of  our 
history,  was  identified  with  many  important  events  and  trans- 
actions, was  well  known,  and  his  worth  appreciated  by  most 
of  the  great  men  of  his  time,  and  sunk  to  his  rest  amidst  the 
regrets  and  lamentations  of  his  countrymen. 

He  departed  this  life  on  the  28th  of  February,  1808,  in  the 
78th  year  of  his  age,  after  a  short  but  severe  illness. 

His  remains  were  conveyed  to  the  village  church  at  Clin- 
ton, and  after  appropriate  services,  which  were  conducted  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Norton,  they  were  deposited  in  a  private  grave 
near  his  dwelling,  where  they  still  await  the  summons  which 
shall  cause  the  sea  and  the  earth  to  give  up  their  dead.  On 
one  side  lie  the  remains  of  his  Avidow  and  a  daughter,  and  on 
the  other,  those  of  the  venerable  Shenandoah. 

If  the  character  of  a  man  may  be  estimated  by  the  good  he 
Joes  to  his  fellow  men,  by  the  privations  he  endures  in  their 
behalf,  by  the  blessings  he  confers  upon  them,  by  the  labor 
lie  performs  in  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom, 
then  the  character  of  Mr.  Kirkland  stands  preeminent.  He 
stands  forth  a  shining  example  to  youth,  a  noble  precedent 
to  manhood,  and  a  profitable  model  for  old  age. 

Mr.  Kirkland  was  the  intimate  friend  of  the  Rev.  Samson 
Cecum,  a  thoroughly  educated  Indian,  who  was  ordained  a 
minister  by  the  Suffolk  Presbytery,  on  Long  Island,  in  1759. 
He  came  to  Oneida  from  Long  Island  with  a  party  one  hun- 
dred and  ninety-two  Montauks  and  Shinecocks,  among  the 
Stockbridge  and  Brothertown  Indians,  as  a  missionary  in 
1786,  and  was  eminently  useful  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel 
among  the  simple  sons  of  the  forest.  Mr.  Occura  was  the 
first  red  man  educated  by  the  celebrated  Rev.  Dr.  Wheelock 
at  his  Moore  Charity  School  at  Lebanon.  Mr.  Occum  left 
this  school  in  1742,  and  for  several  years  was  engaged  as  a 
teacher  among  the  Long  Island  Indians,  to  whom  he  was 
greatly  endeared.     He  passed  the  early  part  of  his  life  on 


J  I ' 


^i'll 


h . 


230 


ONON  nA(J  A. 


Long  Island,  tlio  pliico  of  his  nativity.  After  his  ordination 
ho  waa  Hcnt  to  Enghiiui,  hy  Dr.  Whciolot-k,  in  company  witli 
Mr.  Whitakor,  to  solicit  benofactiona  for  a  college.  The  ap- 
pearance of  Mr.  Oecum  in  England,  excited  strong  Honsationa 
in  the  minds  of  all  intelligent  people,  particularly  the  pious 
and  benevolent.  Benefactions  were  solicited  with  a  success 
which  greatly  outran  the  most  sanguine  expectations.  Among 
the  patrons  to  the  proposed  college,  were  the  King,  and  many 
persona  of  rank  and  distinction;  a  la' go  anm  of  money  was 
collected  and  forwarded  to  America,  whore  others  cotitributed 
liberally  to  swell  the  amount,  lie  often  preached  to  very 
crowded  houses,  and  was  the  first  Indian  clergyman  who  had 
ever  visited  that  country.  In  those  days,  it  was  considered  a 
great  novelty.  The  noblest  chapels  in  the  kingdom  were  open 
to  him,  and  oven  the  pulpit  of  the  great  Whitefield,  was  filled 
with  acceptance.  After  his  return,  he  labored  in  his  mission 
among  the  iStockbridge  and  Brothertown  Indians,  several 
years,  with  great  success,  and  even  to  this  day,  among  the 
few  survivors  of  his  race,  his  name  and  mem(n*y  are  held  in 
grateful  remembrance.  He  died  in  July,  17!>2,  at  New-Stock- 
bridge,  Madison  County,  New-York,  aged  sixty-nine  years. 
Both  he  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  were  well  accpuiintcd 
at  Onondaga,  often  visited  and  occasionally  officiated  there 
among  the  Indians.  By  the  early  settlers  we  have  been  in- 
informed,  that  Mr.  Kirkland,  on  several  occasions,  preached 
to  them  in  their  dwellings  and  in  their  barns,  and  was  proba- 
bly the  first  Potestant  Clergyman  wlio  ever  officiated  in  our 
county. 

Bishop  llobart's  establishment  of  a  mission  at  Oneida,  in 

1816  :— 

In  1816,  Mr.  Eleazar  AVilliams  was  selected  to  take  charge 
of  this  important  mission.  lie  was  a  son  of  Thomas  Wil- 
liams, who  was  a  distinguished  chief  of  the  St.  Begis  branch 
of  the  Mohawk  nation,  and  a  descendant  of  the  Bev.  John 
Williams,  of  Deerfield,  Mass.,  who  with  his  family  and  parish- 
ioners was  taken  captive  at  the  sacking  of  his  native  town, 
by  the  French  and  Indians,  in  1704. 


MISSIONS. 


281 


Mr.  Eloazar  Williutns  had  received  a  liberal  education  for 
the  purpose  of  being  useful  as  a  missionary  among  his  people, 
and  was  appointed  by  IJisliop  Ifobart  and  the  committee  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Cliurcli,  for  propagating  the  gospel 
in  the  State  of  New-Y(n'k,  a  catechist,  lay-reader  and  school 
miwtcr,  to  the  Oneida  nation.  He  had  been  educated  in  u 
different  communion,  (Presbyterian,)  but  connected  him- 
self with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  from  conviction. 
Mr.  Williams  arrived  at  Oneida  Castle,  and  entered  on  hi.«i 
duties,  --Jd  of  March,  iHlfJ.  One  large  portion  of  the  Onei- 
das  had  previously  adhered  firmly  to  the  religion  of  their  fath- 
ers, and  had  always  been  denominated  in  business  transac- 
tions, the  '"'■  Payan  purty  of  the  One  Ida  nation." 

Mr.  Williams,  in  taking  upon  himself  this  new  responsibili- 
ty, felt  it  a  duty  first  incumbent  upon  him,  to  prepare  a 
translation  of  portions  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  the  Liturgy, 
and  other  devotional  portions  of  theComraon  Prayer  Book,  into 
a  language  they  could  luore  easily  understand  than  the  English. 
This,  in  duft  time  he  effected,  by  following  Brant's  transla- 
tions of  the  Gospels  and  Prayer  Book  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
laml,  which  were  altered  and  amended  to  suit  the  circumstan- 
ces of  the  case. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  these  translations  of  Brant's, 
of  the  Gospels  and  Prayer  Book,  are  to  this  day  in  use,  as 
devotional  books,  with  some  trifling  alterations,  among  all 
the  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations,  even  among  those  who  are  not 
Episcopalians. 

At  this  period,  a  large  portion  of  the  Oneid<is,  resolved  to 
throw  off  at  once  and  forever,  their  idolatries  and  pagan  prac- 
tices, and  embrace  Christianity. 

The  following  communication  to  the  Governor  De  W^itt  Clin- 
ton, will  show  with  what  zeal  they  were  animated  in  their  re- 
nunciation of  Paganism,  and  in  the  embracement  of  the  Chris- 
tian faith,  as  well  as  the  success  of  Mr.  Williams'  exertions. 

"  May  it  please  your  Excellency — wo,  the  chiefs  and  prin- 
cipal men,  of  that  part  of  the  Oneida  nation  of  Indians, 
heretofore  known  and  distinguished  as  the  "  Pagan  Party  \ 


,4'  k    I 


i,   i;:; 


232 


ONONDAGA. 


it'll  f^'*!  ' 


I'-' 


\ii 


in  tho  name  of  the  said  party  beg  leave  to  address  your  Ex- 
cellency, on  a  subject,  which  wo  hope  will  be  as  pleasing  to 
your  Excellency,  as  it  is  to  us.  Wo  no  longer  own  the  name 
of  Par/an.  We  have  abandoned  our  idols  and  our  sncrificos, 
and  have  fixed  our  hopes  on  our  Blessed  Uedcemcr.  In  m- 
dence  of  this  assertion,  we  here  tender  to  your  Excellency, 
sincerely  and  une<iuivo(!ally,  our  abjuration  of  I'liganism  and 
its  rites,  and  take  the  Christian's  God  to  be  our  (Jod,  and  our 
only  hope  of  salvation. 

Wo  believe  in  God,  the  creator  and  preserver  of  all  things. 
As  omnisciont  and  omnipresent,  most  gracious  and  most  mer- 
ciful. We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  he  is  the  Son  of  God, 
the  Saviour  of  the  world,  the  Mediator  between  God  and  man, 
and  that  all  must  believe  in  him,  and  embrace  him  in  order 
to  obtain  salvation.  We  believe  in  God,  the  Sanctifier  and 
Comforter  of  all  the  children  of  men.  W^e  believe  in  a  gen- 
eral resurrection  and  a  future  judgment,  in  which  all  mankind 
shall  be  judged  according  to  their  works.  We  believe  the 
Scriptures  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and  that  in  them  are  con- 
tained all  things  necessary  to  man's  salvation. 

We  present  to  your  Excellency  this  abstract  of  our  faith, 
in  order  to  demonstrate  the  impropriety  of  our  any  longer  re- 
taining the  name  of  Pagans.  We  trust,  that  through  the 
mercy  of  God,  we  have  abandoned  the  character  of  Pagans ; 
let  us  also  .abandon  the  name. 

We,  therefore,  request  your  Excellency,  that  in  all  future 
transactions  with  this  State,  we  may  be  known  as  "  21ie  aecond 
Ohristian  Party  of  the  Oneida  Indians."*  and  we  pray  that 
your  Excellency  will  take  such  means  as  may  be  necessary 


*  "  Tlie  (First)  Christian  Party"  was  that  portion  of  the  Oneidas  who  had  been 
under  the  teachings  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland  ;  but  wiio  were  at  this  period 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jenivins.  At  the  time  of  Mr.  Williams'  lirst 
appearance  at  Oneida,  the  mission  was  in  a  lanfruishing  condition,  and  those  adiitt- 
ring  to  Mr.  Jenkins,  constituted  about  one-tenth  of  the  nation.  Mr.  Williams  at 
once  addressed  the  Oneida.s  in  their  own  language,  and  with  this  advantage  was 
successful  in  gaining  tlie  affections  and  confidence  of  a  large  portion  of  the  peo- 
ple, which  very  soon  had  tlie  eflect  to  draw  away  from  Mr.  Jenkins,  those  who 
were  favorably  disposed  to  Christianity. 


MISSIONS. 


288 


»ntl  proper,  to  cauBo  us  to  be  recognized  in  future  by  that 
name.  And  in  the  name  of  the  most  Holy  Trinity,  we  do 
here  sign  ourselves,  your  Excellency's  most  sincere  friends. 

Done  in  general  council,  at  Oneida,  this  25th  day  of  Jan- 
uary, A.  D.,  1817." 

The  following  Indians  subscribed  to  the  above,  each  one 
making  his  mark  : — 


Cornelius  Otliaeaheat, 
Arius  Tehoraniogo, 
John  Cahellius, 
Jacob  Atoni, 
Wm.  Toniateshen, 


Peter  Sauthecalcos, 
Nicholas  Garongontie, 
Moses  Schuyler, 
Wm.  Tegarcntotashon, 
Wm.  Tehoratatshe, 


Peter  Tewaserteshe, 

Mr.  Williams  pursued  his  vocation  with  a  well  tempered 
zeal,  and  with  a  desirable  degree  of  success.  Devotional 
books  in  the  Indian  language,  were  placed  in  the  hands  of 
these  devoted  children  of  the  forest,  and  several  of  the  youth 
made  very  respectable  proficiency  in  learning  to  read  them, 
so  that  in  due  time  the  devotions  and  renponses  of  the  Church, 
were  made  with  great  order  and  propriety.  Several  of  them 
became  familiar  with  the  English  language,  and  wrote  letters 
to  the  Governor  of  the  State,  and  to  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 
whicli  were  highly  creditable  to  their  scholarship.  The  style 
of  these,  is  marked  with  peculiar  simplicity,  as  the  following 
extract  of  an  address,  written  by  a  young  Indian,  a  commu- 
nicant in  the  Church,  to  the  Bishop,  will  show : 

"  Right  Reverend  Father — we  salute  you  in  the  name  of 
the  ever  blessed  and  ever  living  sovereign  Lord  of  the  uni- 
verse. We  acknowledge  this  Great  and  Almighty  Being,  as 
our  Creator,  Preserver  and  continual  Benefactor.  Right 
Reverend  Father,  we  rejoice  that  we  now,  with  one  heart  and 
one  mind,  would  express  our  gratitude  and  thankfulness  to 
our  venerable  Father,  for  the  favor  he  has  bestowed  on  this 
nation,  viz :  in  sending  Brother  Williams  among  us,  to  instruct 
us  in  the  religion  of  the  Blessed  Jesus.  We  hail  him  as  our 
friend  and  brother,  and  our  guide  in  spiritual  things,  and  he 


M 


30 


234 


ONONDAGA. 


ml 


shall  remain  in  our  hearts  and  minds  as  long  as  he  shall  teach 
us  in  the  ways  of  the  Great  Spirit  above. 

Right  Reverend  Father — we  beseech  you  not  to  neglect  us. 
We  hope  the  Christian  people  of  NeAV-York  will  help  us  all 
that  is  in  their  power.  We  hope  our  brethren  Avill  by  no 
means  withdraw  from  us.  If  this  should  take  place,  the  cause 
of  Religion  will  die  among  us,  immorality  and  wickedness  will 
prevail. 

Right  Reverend  Father — as  the  head  and  father  of  the  Holy 
Apostolic  Church,  in  this  State,  we  entreat  you  to  take  a  spe- 
cial charge  of  us.  We  are  ignorant,  we  are  poor,  and  need 
your  assistance.  Come,  venerable  Father,  and  visit  your 
children,  and  warm  their  hearts  by  your  presence  in  the 
things  which  belong  to  their  everlasting  peace. 

May  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  whom  you  serve,  be 
with  you,  and  his  blessing  ever  remain  with  you. 

We,  venerable  Father,  remain  ever  your  dutiful  children.' 
Signed  by  the  following  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  nation : 
Hendrick  Schuyler,  Moses  Schuyler, 

Silas  Anosente,  Ilestael  Peters, 

William  Tehoiatato,  William  Schuyler, 

D?niel  Peters,  Abraham  Schuyler, 

Nicholas  Garongontie,  Stofle  Schuyler, 

William  Sonawenhese,  Hendrick  Schuyler,  Jr., 

William  Tewagarate. 
Done  at  Oneida,  the  19th  day  of  January,  A.  D.,  1818. 
The  Bishop  answers  them  in  a  style  of  the  most  unaffected 
love  and  simplicity,  which  shows  the  benevolence  of  his  heart, 
and  the  tender  regard  he  cherished  for  this  portion  of  his  flock. 
The  address  may  be  found  at  large,  in  the  Christian  Jour- 
nal of  February,  1818,  and  is  highly  characteristic  of  that 
eminent  Prelate. 

On  Sunday,  the  13th  of  September,  1818,  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Hobart,  visited  the  Oneida  Indians  for  the 
purpose  of  administering  the  sacraments  and  ordinances  of 
the  Church.  On  this  occasion  the  morning  prayer  was  read 
in  their  own  language.     The  Indians  present  joined  in  the 


MISSIONS. 


235 


services  witli  great  solemnity  and  devotion,  and  many  of  them 
repeated  the  responses.  The  Bishop  addressed  them,  and  his 
address  was  interpreted  by  INIr.  Williams,  who  also  interpre- 
ted to  them  the  various  offices  of  baptism,  confirmation  and' 
the  Lord's  supper,  which  rites  the  Bishop  administered.  Twen- 
ty-four children  were  baptized,  eighty-nine  young  persons  (In- 
ilians)  were  confirmed,  and  tAventy-four  receivad  the  holy  com- 
munion. None  were  confirmed  but  those  whj  had  been  thor- 
oughly instructed,  and  felt  a  willingness  to  resume  their  bap- 
tismal ol)ligations  by  living  a  righteous  and  godly  life.  The 
services  at  this  visitation  of  the  Bishop,  are  represented  by 
eye-witnesses  as  peculiarly  affecting.  The  place  of  worship 
was  filleil  to  overflowing  ;  all  present  were  deeply  affected  with 
;!ie  solemnity,  reverence  and  devotion,  with  which  the  young, 
the  middle  aged,  and  the  grey  haired,  joined  in  the  confes- 
.ions,  supplications,  prayers  and  praises  to  the  lledeemer,  ai'd 
'.vith  the  solemn  attention  with  which  they  listened  to  the  in- 
structions and  exhortations  of  the  Bishop,  and  the  humiUty 
and  thankfulness  evidenced  by  their  prostration  on  their  knees 
and  by  the  tears  which  flowed  down  the  cheeks  of  several  wiio 
levoted  themselves  in  the  Apostolic  "  laying  on  of  hands"  to 
the  God  who  made  them,  and  the  Saviour  who  shed  his  blood 
for  them. 

The  clergy  present  were  some  of  them  so  affected  that  they 
could  not  remain  to  witness  the  scene,  and  retired  to  give 
vent  to  their  feelings  in  prayers  of  thankfulness  and  in  tears. 
The  Bishop  remarks  that  "  the  Oneidas  amount  to  above  one 
thousand  souls,  and  it  must  afford  high  pleasure  to  every  be- 
nevolent mind  to  hear  that  the  labors  of  Mr.  Williams,  under 
the  authority  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
State,  for  the  cpiritual  improvement  of  his  unfortunate  coun- 
trymen, are  thus  attended  with  the  divine  blessing." 

The  second  Christian  parti/,  in  1818,  sold  a  piece  of  their 
land  to  the  State  of  New  York  for  the  express  purpose  of 
raising  funds  for  building  a  Church  edifice,  from  which  sale 
about  four  thousand  four  hundred  dollars  was  realized. 

This  edifice,  a  chapel,  was  completed  the  following  year, 


I     ■: 


286 


ONONDAGA. 


under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Williams,  and  consecrated  by 
Bishop  Hobart  21st  September,  1819,  under  the  title  of  St. 
Peter's  Church.  This  congregation  of  Christian  Oneida?, 
with  their  new  and  neat  Church,  became  a  great  favorite  with 
Bishop  Ilobart,  iiud  the  pride  of  the  Church  in  New  York 
and  the  praises  of  Mr.  Williams  were  lauded  in  all  the 
Churches. 

At  this  visit  tiie  Bisliop  confirmed  fifty-six,  and  baptized 
two  adults  and  iorty-threc  children  of  the  Oneida  nation. 
Rev.  Daniel  Nasli,  in  his  report  for  1821,  says :  "  In  the 
month  of  May  last  I  visited  the  Church  at  Oneida,  and  with 
pleasure  can  testify  to  the  excellent  order  observed.  In  no 
congregation,  although  I  have  seen  many  solemn  assemblies. 
have  I  beheld  such  deep  attention,  such  humble  devotion. " 
He,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Orderson  of  the  English 
Church,  baptized  fifty  children  and  five  adults  of  the  Oneida 
nation. 

Mr.  Williams  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Solomon  Davis,  in 
1822,  to  the  charge  of  the  Oneida  mission,  Mr.  Williams  hav- 
ing, with  a  large  portion  of  the  Oneidas,  removed  to  Green 
Bay,  where  was  estitblished  a  mission  under  the  auspices  of 
the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church.  The  Church  at  Oneida  progressed  under 
the  ministrations  of  Mr.  Davis,  who  for  several  years  acted  in 
the  capacity  of  lay-reader  and  catechist.  The  Government 
of  the  United  States  appropriated  five  hundred  dollars  for  the 
support  of  a  school  among  the  Oneidas,  and  two  hundred  dol- 
lars for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  erection  of  a  suitable 
school  house.  Tlie  school  was  conducted  by  Mr.  Davis,  and 
during  his  stay  at  Oneida  was  regularly  attended  by  a  respecta- 
ble number  of  children,  and  numbers  were  yearly  added  to 
the  Church  by  baptism  and  confirmation. 

On  the  18th  of  June,  1826,  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams  was  or- 
dained a  Deacon,  by  Bishop  Ilobart,  at  Oneida  Castle,  at 
which  time  addresses  were  interchanged  between  the  Bishop 
and  Mr.  Williams,  and  between  the  Bishop  and  the  Indians, 


.f  i 


MISSIONS. 


237 


which,  although  highly  interesting,  are  too  long  for  insertion 
here.    (See  Christian  -^'turnal.) 

The  Bishop,  in  lii.  .nual  visitations,  visited  the  Oneida 
Church,  and  was  always  most  cordially  received  by  his  red 
brethren.  They  became  extremely  attached  to  him,  and  al- 
ways treated  him  with  great  reverence  and  respect. 

One  of  these  visits  is  thus  described  by  an  eye-witness  of 
the  sceno : 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1827,  information  having  been  pre- 
vi'msly  given  of  the  Bishop's  intended  visit,  a  party  of  fifty 
or  sixty  Indians,  on  horseback,  with  their  chiefs  and  interpre- 
ter, came  out  about  four  miles  to  meet  hiin  and  escort  him  to 
the  chapel.*  This  was  a  novel  and  gratifying  spectacle,  and 
the  groups  of  Indian  women  and  children  that  might  be 
seen  hurrying  across  the  fields  towards  the  church,  as  the 
procession  approached,  added  much  to  the  interest  of  the 
scene.  On  arriving  at  the  house  of  worship,  the  Bishop  and 
Clergy  took  their  stations,  when  the  services  commenced,  with 
a  few  verses,  translated  into  Indian,  from  the  Psalms  of  Da- 
vul,  sung  by  about  one  hundred  natives  in  the  gallery,  joined 
bv  those  below.  After  the  usual  services,  whicli  were  con- 
ducted in  English,  and  translated  by  an  interpreter  into  Indi- 
an, the  holy  rite  of  confirmation  was  administered  to  ninety- 
m-en  native  Indians,  and  about  fifty  partook  of  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  suj)per.  The  confirmations  among  the  Oneidas, 
including  some  Onondagas,  by  Bishop  Ilobart,  from  first  to 
last,  exceeded  five  hundred  persons,  many  of  whom  continued 
faithful  to  the  end,  and  more  than  twice  that  number  were 
baptized  on  various  occasions  by  different  members  of  the 
Church. 

On  the  14th  of  September,  1829,  Mr.  Solomon  Davis  was 
admitted  to  the  holy  order  of  Priests.  That  he  might  the  bet- 
ter be  enabled  to  administer  all  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel 


*Tliis  practice  of  escorting  the  Bishop  to  the  place  cf  public  worsliip  on 
liorseback.  is  still  continued  at  the  Oneida  Reserve  Mission,  iieur  Nashola,  Wis- 
'.unsin.  as  we  are  infurnaed  by  a  cotnniunication  from  the  missionary.  Ko  v.  J.  LloyiJ 
Preok. 


.  lil 


238 


ONONDAGA, 


^  i 
i! 


to  them,  ii  was  deemed  expedient  to  ordain  him  to  this  office, 
for  wliich  purpose  several  of  the  Clergy  attended  with  the 
Bishop,  and  joined  in  the  imposition  of  hands.  lie  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  order  of  Deacons  the  summer  previous,  at  Christ 
Church,  Manlius. 

Mr.  Davis  continued  with  his  flock  at  Oneida,  with  undi- 
minished success,  till  1888,  when  the  remaining  portion  of 
the  Oneidas  removed  to  (Ireen  Bay ;  consecpiently  this  inter- 
esting mission  was  broken  up,  their  lands  at  Oneida  were  sold, 
and  at  present  there  are  but  few  (about  one  hundred  and  fifty) 
of  the  nation  remaining  at  that  place,  and  there  is  no  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Church  Mission  among  them. 

The  church  edifice  which  belonged  to  the  Indians  was  sold  in 
1840,  and  removed  to  Vernon,  where  it  is  now  occupied  by  the 
Unitarians. 

The  mission  at  Green  Bay  has  since  been  continued  witli 
moderate  success,  many  of  the  Indians  having  become  Chris- 
tian. It  has  been  an  interesting;  field  of  labor.  The  confre- 
gatlon,  as  well  as  the  nation,  is  said  to  be  increasing  in  num- 
bers, and  in  the  arts  and  virtues  of  civilized  life. 

In  1834  or  '35,  the  Rev.  Richard  V.  Cadle,  witli  groat  self- 
denial,  sought  out  the  Oneiihis  and  gave  them  a  year's  most 
faithful  labor.  Under  his  efliorts  the  waste  places  of  their  lit- 
tle Zion  were  repaired,  and  many  wandering  members  were 
brought  back  to  the  fold.  By  many  of  the  nation  his  servi- 
ces were  unappreciated,  although  the  eommunicants  regarded 
him  with  the  most  tender  affection. 

From  the  avails  of  the  sale  of  a  parcel  of  their  lands  to 
the  United  States,  in  1838,  a  neat  church  and  parsonage 
have  been  erected,  and  the  mission,  in  other  respects,  placed 
on  a  respectable  footing.  Mr.  Davis  continued  his  services 
up  to  1847,  since  which  the  Rev.  Franklin  Haff  has  had  charge 
of  the  mission. 

Missionary  operations  among  the  Onondagas : — 

The  first  person  connected  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  who  called  the  attention  of  the  Onondagas  to  the  sub- 
ject of  religion,  was  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams,  lay-reader,  catechist 


MISSIONS, 


239 


and  school-master  among  the  Oncidas.  By  the  request  of 
several  of  the  Onondaga  chiefs,  he  visited  the  nation  first,  on 
31st  of  March,  1816.  Extract  from  his  journal.  "Reached 
this  village  (Onondaga)  about  ten  o'clock  this  morning,  and' 
came  thither  by  the  special  invitation  of  the  principal  chiefs 
and  people,  by  whom  I  was  received  with  much  kindness. 
They  gave  me  no  time  to  refresh  myself,  but  hurried  me  to 
their  council  house,  '  to  hear'  as  they  said  '  the  words  of  Him 
who  diuclls  in  the  Heavens.'  " 

Mr.  Williams,  on  this  occasion,  addressed  them  on  the  sub- 
ject of  repentance,  and  the  jjerfections  of  God,  held  several 
conferences  at  their  houses,  and  all  seemed  anxious  and  con- 
cerned for  thoir  salvation,  lie  at  this  time  spent  several  days 
among  them,  and  received  many  encouragements  of  repent- 
ance among  his  l)rethrcn,  the  Onondagas.  During  this  year, 
and  afterwards,  Mr.  Williams  made  frequent  visits  to  Onon- 
ilaga,  cxliorting  them  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house.  Be- 
ing master  of  their  own  language,  he  Avas  listened  to  with 
great  attention,  and  his  labors  attended  with  success. 

In  another  part  of  his  journal,  Mr.  Williams  remarks  :  "  In 
ray  first  visit  to  Onondaga,  I  attempted  to  ascertain  whether 
the  "aiits  of  the  labors  of  the  Father  Jesuits,  could  be  traced 
among  them,  but  I  could  find  none." 

Again  he  says,  "  What  little  thoy  know  of  the  Christian 
faith,  they  received  it  from  tlie  noted  and  pious  missionary, 
Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland."  Again:  "In  181(3,  they  had  no 
idea  that  they  had  ever  been  taught  by  a  Jesuit  missionary." 

*In  the  year  181G,  the  Rev.  Timothy  Clowes,  Rector  of 
St.  Peter's  Church,  Albany,  was  re(iuested  by  the  Indians  to 
pay  them  a  visit,  lie  did  so,  in  company  with  Mr.  Williams, 
who  acted  as  his  interpreter,  on  the  18th  day  of  July,  preach- 
ing to  attentive  congregations,  and  administering  the  sacra- 
ments, lie  baptized  eleven  children  among  the  Onondagas. 
They  expressed  their  thanks  for  the  instruction   given,  the 


*  MS.  of  Rev.  Henry  Gregory,  D.  D.,  and  the  Journals  of  Diocesan  Conveo- 


lion. 


240 


ONONDAGA. 


"mm 


ll 


§m 


hi 

I 


attentions  paid  to  them,  and  requested  the  clergy  of  the 
church  to  visit  them  as  often  as  circumstances  would  allow. 
Most  of  the  Pagans  attended  these  meetings.  In  July,  1817 
the  Onondagas  were  again  visited  by  the  Rev.  William  A. 
Clark,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams  of  Oneida,  and 
the  llev.  Mr.  Gear.  In  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Clark,  one-half 
the  tribe  was  friendly  to  Christianity,  and  acquainted  with 
the  elementary  principles  of  the  Gospel.  Even  the  Pagan 
portion  of  them  did  not  refuse  to  hear.  Baptism  was  admin- 
istered by  Mr.  Clark,  to  ff  teen,  and  by  Mr.  Gear,  to  four  or 
Jive.  Mr.  Gear  continued  to  visit  frequently,  and  preach 
among  the  Onondagas,  so  long  as  he  lived  at  "the  Ilill." 
After  the  church  edifice  was  completed  at  Onondaga  Hill,  the 
Indians  frequently  came  there  to  the  public  worship,  and  some- 
times brou^z;ht  their  children  to  be  baptized  in  the  presence 
of  the  congregation.  Several  couples  were  also  married  pub- 
licly in  the  church. 

On  one  occt^ion  at  their  village,  four  or  five  (and  one  a 
principal  chief)  who  had  been  baptized  by  the  Romanists  at 
St.  Regis,  signified  their  wish  to  leave  that  clwirch,  and  make  a 
new  profession  of  Christianity.  Mr.  Gear  having  instructed 
them  as  well  as  possible  through  an  interpreter,  in  the  true 
principles  of  the  Gospel  and  the  Avorship  of  God,  and  having 
required  of  them  to  assume  their  promises  and  vows  imposed 
in  the  baptismal  service,  received  them  with  several  others 
whom  he  baptized.  This  was  done  on  a  raised  platform,  in 
the  presence  of  the  whole  nation,  and  the  scene  was  one  of 
the  deepest  solemnity  and  interest.  These  persons  were  sub- 
sequently confirmed  at  Oneida,  on  some  of  those  occasions 
when  Bishop  Ilobart  visited  the  Indian  Church. 

It  was  at  the  instance  of  Mr.  Gear,  that  a  school  was 
opened  among  the  Onondagas,  by  one  of  tlieir  own  people. 
Mary  Doxtator,  a  Stockbridge  by  birth,  was  taken  when  young 
by  some  Quakers,  to  Philadelphia,  and  educated  in  all  domes- 
tic duties.  After  she  returned  to  her  people,  she  was  married 
to  an  Oneida,  a  Pagan,  and  who  opposed  all  her  efforts  to  be 
Ui-t'ful  among  them.     After  his  death,  however,  aiiil  vrhen  left 


MISSIONS. 


241 


with  the  care  of  tliree  children,  she  opened  a  school  of  indus- 
try at  Oneida,  and  taught  the  Indian  women  to  sew  and  spin, 
and  weave  blankets  and  coverlets.  There  Mr.  Gear  became 
acquainted  with  her,  and  induced  her  to  attempt  the  same 
thing  among  the  Onondagas.  This  she  did  in  the  year  1820, 
and  with  considerable  success.  She  Avas  baptised  and  admit- 
ted to  the  Holy  communion,  and  brought  her  children  to  bap- 
tism. Her  house  was  a  pattern  of  neatness  and  order — her 
example  was  that  of  a  woman  deeply  imbued  with  Christian 
temper  and  principles,  and  the  white  people  of  her  acquaint- 
ance gave  her  both  their  esteem  and  assistance.  She  died  two 
or  three  years  after  the  opening  of  her  scliool  among  the  On- 
ondagas. 

We  possess  no  other  evidence  of  Episcopal  Church  missions 
among  the  Onondagas,  except  those  before  named  in  the  bio- 
ffrapbical  notice  of  La  Fort,  although  they  frccpiently  at  Onei- 
da attended  tlie  ministrations  of  Mr.  Eleazar  Williams  and  Mr. 
Solomon  Davis,  and  took  much  pains  to  attend  whenever 
Bishop  Ilobart  officiated  there,  to  whom  they  were  particularly 
attached. 

After  the  departure  of  Mr.  Gear,  it  seemed  there  was  no 
person  in  the  ministerial  office  of  tlic  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  who  was  specially  charged  with  this  business,  or  who 
by  habit  or  inclination  was  qualified  for  the  peculiar  duties  of 
a  missionary  among  these  singular  and  benighted  people. 
The  consequence  was,  that  for  several  years  they  were  with- 
out religious  instructicm, 

Methodist  Mission  at  Oneida  and  Onondaga,  1829  : — 

The  first  religious  society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopjil  Church 
established  at  Oneida,  was  in  1829,  by  the  Rev.  Dan  Barnes, 
and  was  composed  of  twenty-four  Indian  members.  At  this 
time,  also,  Indian  exhorters  Avere  appointed  at  Oneida  to  visit 
the  Onondagas,  which  they  did  under  the  direction  and  super- 
intendance  of  ministers  located  at  Oneida.  It  was  impossible 
to  make  any  direct  approaches  to  the  Onondagas,  on  account 
of  their  hostility  to  the  plan. 

But  all  missionary  operations  were  carried  on  at  this  time, 


rM 


iiif ) 


til 


242 


ONONDAGA, 


*; 


in  a  Becrot  manner  unknown  to  the  Pagan  party,  at  private 
houses  of  the  Indiana. 

For  a  period  of  twelve  years,  this  people  were  only  visited 
occasionally  by  licentiates,    oxhorters   and   local  preachers. 
The  head  men  of  the  nation  were  opposed  to  the  erection  of 
a  church  and  schools,  and  it  was  not  till  1841,  when  the  Rev. 
Rosman  Ingals  was  appointed  a  missionary  at  Oneida  and  On- 
ondaga, that  any  thing  like  a  regularly  organized  society  was 
formed  at  Onondaga.     At  this  time  there  were  but  nine  mem- 
bers.    On  the  first  of  January,  1842,  for  the  first  time  the 
holy  communion  was  administered  after  the  forms  and  order 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  at  the  Onondaga  Castle, 
and  from  the  first  of  August  of  this  year,  the  Onondagas  en- 
joyed the  services  of  the  Methodist  Church,  a  Sunday  once 
in  four  weeks,  and  the  Oneidas  the  remaining  three  Sundays 
of  the  month.     These  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  Ros- 
man Ingals,  and  the  substance  communicated  to  the  natives 
through  an  interpreter.     During  the  year  1842,  the  natives 
procured  and  fitted  up  a  building  formerly  occupied  as  a 
dwelling,  so  as  to  answer  very  well  as  a  substitute  for  a  church. 
In  this  building  meetings  were  regularly  held  till  1846,  at 
which  time  the  new  school  house  was  built,  after  which  meet- 
ings were  held  in  it.     Mr.  Ingals  continued  his  labors  once  in 
four  weeks,  and  Indian  exhorters  in  the  intermediate  Sundays, 
and  occasionally  on  week  days,  till  August,  1846,  when  the 
Rev.  Daniel  Fancher  took  charge  of  the  mission,  and  meet- 
ings were  held  at  Onondaga,  three  Sundays  in  each  iT.onth, 
and  one  Sunday  at  Oneida,  thereby  reversing  the  order  of 
things.     The  reason  why  these  missions  have  never  been  sepa- 
rated is  because  the  Onondagas  have  never  yet  till  now,  been 
strong  enough  to  sustain  themselves  without  the  assistance  of 
the  Oneidas,  who  are  by  far  the  most  susceptible  of  religious 
impressions  and  improvement. 

Henry  Jones,  David  Hill  and  his  son,  are  among  the  first 
fruits  of  this  mission,  and  bid  fair  to  continue  faithful  to  the 
end.  After  the  commencement  of  Mr.  Fancher's  ministra- 
tion, the  number  of  communicants  rapidly  increased,  so  that 


MISSIONS. 


248 


it  the  present  time  there  are  not  less  than  sixty  who  receive 
regularly  the  bread  of  life.  A  new  end  commodious  church 
was  erected  during  the  summer  of  1848,  which  cost  a  trifle 
over  one  thousand  dollars,  which  sum  was  raised  by  donations 
from  individuals  of  the  Methodist  Society,  the  Indians  contri- 
buting, by  materials  and  labor,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
lollars.  The  missionary  has  had  a  laborious  task  in  bringing 
this  work  to  a  favorable  termination,  constantly  superintend- 
ing the  whole,  and  doing  much  labor  with  his  own  hands.  It 
was  consecrated  with  appropriate  services  Oct.  12th,  1848. 

At  Oneida  a  Methodist  church  was  built  in  1841,  and  was 
owned  by  the  Indians ;  Avhen  their  lands  were  sold  in  1843, 
the  church  was  sold  with  them,  and  in  1844,  another  church 
was  erected  by  the  benefactions  of  the  Indians  and  whites, 
and  is  owned  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Society. 

This  mission,  with  the  one  at  Oneida,  is  considered  in  a 
prosperous  condition,  and  it  is  thought  they  will  each  be  able 
soon  to  sjistain  themselves. 

Indian  School.  For  several  years  a  portion  of  the  Onon- 
Jagas  have  manifested  a  willing  disposition  to  profit  by  the 
advantages  of  schools.  Several  have  been  persuaded  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  opportunities  which  have  at  times  presented 
themselves,  and  sent  their  children  to  the  district  schools  of 
the  whites,  contiguous  to  their  reservation. 

In  the  year  1845,  a  very  respectable  young  lady,  Miss  Mary 
Hitchcock,  was  induced  to  open  a  school  on  the  reservation,  ex- 
clusively for  Indian  children.  Her  efforts  were  unwearied,  and 
attended  with  a  measure  of  success ;  so  much  so  that  the  pat- 
rons of  tlie  school  (it  being  supported  mainly  if  not  entirely 
by  benevolent  individuals)  thought  the  experiment  a  success- 
ful one.  From  twenty  to  forty  Indian  children  usually  at- 
tended with  commendable  regularity,  who,  considering  the  dis- 
advantages they  labored  under,  made  very  respectable  profi- 
ciency. She  boarded  herself,  and  the  school  was  kept  in  the 
building  occupied  as  a  church. 

Through  the  instrumentality  of  sundry  benevolent  individu- 
als, who  appreciated  the  necessities  of  the  red  men,  and  who 


f  i 


!r5 


;  p; 


244 


ONONDAGA. 


were  dosiroua  also  of  improving  their  mental  condition  a 
plan  was  set  on  foot  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  for  them  a 
school  exclusively  their  own.  With  this  kind  intention,  during 
tho  winter  of  1845-0,  petitions  were  circulated  ia  various 
parts  of  the  county,  «»lcii)o;tho  Legislature  to  grant  a  sum  of 
money,  to  enable  ih.MU  t>  ..rcct  a  suitable  school  house,  and 
employ  a  teacher.  The  petition  was  favorably  received,  and 
in  April,  1846,  an  act  was  passed  autliorizing  the  agent  of 
the  Onondaga  Indians,  by  consent  of  tho  chiefs  of  the  Onon- 
daga nation,  to  cause  to  be  built  and  furnished,  a  suitable  and 
sufficient  school  house  on  tho  Ouaudagu  Reservation,  at  an 
expense  not  exceeding  three  hundred  dollars. 

The  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  annually,  was  also 
appropriated  for  the  term  of  five  year.^,  for  the  payment  of 
teachers'  wages,  and  other  expenses  of  maintaining  said  school. 

The  following  season  a  suitable  and  well  arranged  school 
house  was  completed,  under  the  direction  of  tho  Indian  agent, 
and  a  numerous  body  of  citizens  attended  its  dedication, 
among  whom  were  several  clergymen  of  dificrent  denomina- 
tions from  tho  adjacent  villages.  The  services  on  this  occa- 
sion, were  of  a  highly  interesting  character.  A  school  ivas 
commenced  under  very  favorable  uuppices,  and  promised  all 
that  its  most  devoted  friends  could  anticipate.  A  comptlent 
teacher,  Mr.  L.  B.  Whitcomb,  was  employed,  who  fur  a  time 
kept  up  the  interest  at  first  excited.  Few  persons  can  realize 
the  disadvantages  and  discouragements  which  present  them- 
selves in  a  purely  Indian  school.  Not  a  single  family  uses  the 
English  language  in  their  intercourse  among  themselves  or 
neighbors.  The  children  only  learn  if  at  a  more  advanced 
age  in  their  communications  Avith  the  whites  ;  consequently 
the  teacher  meets  in  the  beginning,  pupils  who  cannot  under- 
stand perhaps  a  word  he  utters.  A  new  language  is  to  be 
learned,  new  ideas  formed,  new  objects  present  themselve?, 
and  tl  relish  for  application  is  soon  lost,  after  the  novelty 
Avhich  new  scenes  at  first  present,  has  died  away.  !3o  far  as 
they  can  learn  by  observation  and  imitation,  many  of  the  pu- 
pils make  respectable  proficiency.     Hence,  in  drawin-  and  in 


MISSIONS. 


245 


mental  arithmetic,  as  stolveil  on  the  bhick-boniHl,  in  vocal  mu- 
.je,  iic,  they  exhibit  talent  and  progresH  not  une<iual  to  white 
pupils  having  the  same  amount  of  instruction.  One  ot"  the 
rreatost  causes  of  embarrassment  to  the  teacher  is  lack  of 
iitfcndancc  on  the  part  of  pupil-^.  The  parents  do  not,  in  all 
instances,  rc(juiro  or  compel  their  children  to  attend  school, 
and  they  having  little  to  ;ittract  them  there,  ar(  of  themselves, 
ill  many  instances,  unwilling  to  submit  to  the  confinement  or 
iljsoipline  necessary  to  good  order  and  improvement,  so  that 
many  only  occasionally  attend.  Of  the  forty  or  fifty  chil- 
dren who  arc  of  suitable  age,  and  ought  to  attend  school,  not 
uiio  half  that  number  ordinarily  avail  themselves  of  the  bene- 
fit«  ?o  favorably  presented. 

It  requires  great  patience  and  equanimity  of  temper  suc- 
cessfully to  conduct  a  school  composed  entirely  of  Indian 
ihildren.  It  is  well  known  that  the  system  of  domestic  go- 
vernment is  very  loose  among  them.  Children  are  seldom 
(becked  or  restrained  at  homo ;  they  become  restless  by  cf-n- 
tincment  at  school,  and  often  feel  as  if  the  restraints  there  im- 
posed upon  them  were  irksome  and  unnecessary,  consequent- 
ly they  must,  from  the  peculiarities  of  their  case,  bo  far  be- 
hind those  who  are  instructed  in  their  native  language,  in  les- 
?nn'^  of  obedience  to  N'achers,  and  in  the  rudiments  with 
which  they  are  easily  made  familiar.  The  efforts  which  are 
at  present  making  are  attended  with  a  degree  of  success.  But 
iu  order  to  have  them  completely  successful  a  change  will  have 
t'  be  wrought  in  their  manners,  customs  and  language. 

The  district  officer.^'  nre  of  the  Indians,  assisted  by  the  agent, 
town  -iuperintendant  and  teacher,  wdio  manage  tlio  school  af- 
fairs with  credit  to  tb<mselves,  and  for  llio  benefit  of  the  na- 
tion.    For  the  last  yenr,  April,  1849,  Rev.  Rosman  Ingals 

IS  had  charge  of  the  scho  d.  The  Pagan  party  do  not  give 
their  cordial  support  to  t^  >■  measure,  and  until  there  is  more 
unanimity  of  sentiment,  the  subject  of  education  will  noi  reach 

e  elevated  position  anticipated  by  its   Viends. 


246 


ONONDAGA, 


CIIArTER   VIII. 


EARLY  HISTORY  OF  TIIK  ONONDACAS,  AND  INCIDENTAfXY 
THAT  OF  THE  SIX  NATIONS. 


I   H 


Bahbauitiks  ok  tuk  Troquoib  Caitains,  CoMi'AKrn  with  IIkhoks  ok  ANciEfrr 

AN1>    Monr.IlN    TiMKs — NoTlCKH  (IK   TlIK    O.NtlNDAltAS,  IIY    K.iKI.V    I llrtTOlllANH— 

FiKST  Intkiicoubhr  ok  TirK  lndyooi.s  \,-iTii  TlIK  l''iiKN(Mi — Aruuai,  OK  Mow 
Ohamvimin— IFis  Visit toOnondaoa  IN  11115 — Ok  Moss.  1)k  Tiiaoi  wini  fnui 
NI8TS  ANi>  Hoi.niEKS — KAKi.y  ('r.Nsi'soKTiiK  Iiioyi.oirt — M.  Dki.a  Uariik— Mar 
QUiH  I)k  NiiNVM.i.K — Invasion  ok  Montukai,  iiythk  Iiioyt'ois  in  ItlSH — Oreai 

DiSTBKHS  OKTIIK  FltKNC'll DkPUTAI'ION  FUOM  N  KW-IiNliL^NDTOTlIK  luoQlOIH— 

Dk  Fim  .iknai'sNk(;()TIati()Ns  wiTiiTiii';  Fivn  Nations — Sn;  William  I'liii'i'. 

Exl'KDITIUN    i"    diUKIlDC InC'IIIWIONO    OK     TUK      KlVF,     NaTIONH     TO     C  VNAIIA, 

l690-i)l — FttKNOH  Attack  upon  tuk.  Mohawks — Nkuiotiations  k(,ti  I'kack— 
Fkkncii   1'kki'auation  kok  an  Atiack  upon  (JNONKAm — Tin;  Attack  and 

DlSAPPOINTMKNT    OK    TUK    FuKNOIl — WaK     CoNIINlKl) — !'KAt.'K    OK     RVHWllK' 

1697— KwoLian  NEiiOTiAxioNa  with  thkFivk  Nations. 

The  two  folUming  chapters  containing  an  account  of  the 
civil  and  military  history  of  the  Onondagas,  and  incidontalh 
that  of  the  Five  Nation;^  is  taken  mainly  from  Charlcvoi.x. 
Historic  de  Nonville  Frsvncais,  Francis  Creuxius  Ilistoroc 
Novae  Francine,  Colden's  Five  Nations,  Smith's  History  of 
New-York,  Brodhead's  Collection  of  London  Do(!ument8,  and 
Marshall's  Life  of  Washington. 

Many  of  the  early  historians,  in  describing  the  character 
of  the  Iroquois,  set  them  down  as  vindictive,  (rruol  and  blood- 
thirsty, without  one  redeeming  quality,  or  a.  single  human 
feeling  of  compassion,  virtue,  honor  or  gr;ititude,  and  univer- 
sally stigmatize  them,  as  barbarian  and  savage  ;  while  others. 
viewing  them  in  a  higher  light,  are  lavish  in  their  pruisc.    By 


'|..iil 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


MV 


Golden,  Do  Witt  Clinton,  and  othors,  thoy  have  been  styled 
tiio  Uoinans  of  Americii ;  and  tho  French  tourist,  Volney, 
coinpan'H  tlioiri  to  the  ancient  Spartans. 

"  Notwithstanding  1  havo  seen  much  of  tho  savai^es  of 
America,  I  persist  more  firndy  in  tho  comparison  herctoforo 
made,  for  I  find  that  tho  first  book  of  Thucydidos,  and  all 
that  part  whicli  gives  tho  customs  of  the  ImcedemonianB, 
proves  them  in  every  respect  similar  to  the  Five  Nations;  I  do 
not  therefore,  hesitate  to  declare  tho  Spartans  to  be  the  Iro- 
ijunis  of  tho  old  world." 

Were  we  strictly  to  compare  tho  Iroquois  with  civilized 
nations,  the  real  dificrence  would  not  bo  as  wide  as  at  first 
iraairined.  It  is  wonderful  how  custom  and  education  are 
able  t"  soften  tlio  most  revolting  actions  among  learned,  polite 
and  Christian  people.  Whoever  attentively  reads  the  history 
of  ancient  or  modern  heroes,  will  find  them  little  better  in 
many  respects  than  the  distinguished  war  chiefs  of  the  Iro- 
quois. Does  Achilles'  behavior  towards  the  dead  body  of  the 
valiant  Hector,  appear  less  savage  ?  Does  King  David's  saw- 
ing the  Amoritcs  in  sunder,  or  harrowin^r  them  with  harrows 
of  iron,  or  driving  them  through  burning  brick  kilns,  appear 
less  barbarous  'i  Does  the  infamous  example  of  Napoleon  at 
Jaffa,  appear  less  horrid,  or  the  murderous  scenes  on  board 
the  British  prison  ships  at  New-York,  or  tho  quartering  and 
exposure  by  hanging,  of  the  mutilated  body  of  the  valiant 
King  Philip  of  Mount  Hope,  appear  less  revolting,  than  the 
most  detested  acts  of  Indian  barbarity  ?  The  horrors  of  the 
Inquisition,  the  auto-de-fe,  or  the  scourgiugs  and  burnings  of 
New-England,  for  opinion's  sake,  and  the  sale  of  helpless  In- 
dians to  West  Indian  slavery  for  sordid  gain,  are  all  far  be- 
yond the  capacity  or  imagination  of  Indian  refinement  in 
cruelty. 

Father  Henepin,  speaking  of  the  Iroquois,  says :  Lib.  1, 
page  17.  The  Iroquois  are  an  indolent  and  barbarous  people, 
that  has  shed  the  blood  of  more  than  two  millions  of  souls,  in 
that  vast  extended  country.     They  would  never  cease  from 


»     i 


t-  :i'i 


:  Jfli 

j   .If',!' 


248 


ONONDAGA, 


disturbing  the  repose  of  the  Europeans,  were  it  not  for  fear 
of  their  fire-arms. 

Again  at  Piigo  23.  The  Five  Cantons  or  districts  of  the 
Iroquois,  do  inherit,  for  the  most  part,  the  south  side  of  the 
Lake  Ontario.  The  Mohawks  and  Oncidas  are  the  nearest 
neighbors  to  New-IIolland.  The  Onondagas  or  those  who 
live  in  the  mountains,  are  the  most  warlike  people  of  all  those 
nations.  The  Cayugas  and  Senecas,  are  the  most  populous 
of  them  all.  There  are  also  on  the  north  side  of  the  lake, 
three  Iroquois  villages,  viz. :  Tejajagon,  Kente  and  Ganne- 
ousse,  which  is  not  distant  from  Frontenac  above  nine  leagues. 

Lib.  II,  page  104,  he  further  says  :  Tiie  Onontagues  or  Iro- 
quois lligliianders,  are  more  subtle  and  crafty  than  the  rest. 
They  deliberate  maturely  upon  everything,  and  endeavor  to 
understand  merchandize  before  they  trade  for  it.  They  steal 
very  cleverly. 

Charlevoix  in  his  letters  to  the  Duohess  De  Lesdiguieres, 
speaking  of  the  Iroquois,  country  of  Onondaga,  says  :*  All 
the  coast  along  this  country,  is  variegated  with  garden  grounds 
and  highlands,  something  sandy,  and  covered  with  very  fine 
trees,  especially  oak,  which  appear  as  if  they  had  been  planted 
by  the  hand. 

A  Jesuit  Father,  P.  C.  Rageneau,  in  his  Relation,  1657-8, 
in  describing  the  country  of  the  Onondagas,  remarks :  The 
country  of  the  Iroquois,  which  they  occupied  before  their  con- 
quest, is  situated  between  the  fortieth  and  fiftieth  degrees  of 
north  latitude.  However,  ve  are  ignorant  of  the  extent  of 
their  ancient  dominion,  Avhich  has  been  gieatly  extended  on  all 
sides,  by  their  military  valor. 

Our  demesne  (Onondaga)  is  between  the  forty-second  and 
forty-third  degices  of  north  latitude,  ou  the  shores  of  the  small 
Lake  Genentaha,  and  would  be  one  of  the  most  splendid  lo- 
cations in  the  world,  not  even  yielding  to  the  rising  grounds 


*  "  Toute  la  Cote  dans  cet  espace  est  variee  de  Marais  et  de  Torres  haiites  ua 
peu  siibionneuses  couvertes  de  tre-jcau  arbres  et  surtout  de  chunes  qui  seniblanl 
avoir  etc  plaiUus  a  la  niaiii.'' 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


249 


of  the  River  Loire,  were  its  inhabitants  as  polished  and  affable. 

In  another  place  he  says,  the  word  which  signifies  a  moun- 
tain in  the  Iroquois  language,  has  given  name  to  the  village 
called  Onontac,  or  as  others  call  it,  Onontaguo,  because  it  is 
upon  a  mountain.  The  people  who  inhabit  it  arc  consequently 
called  Onontav.;ronnons  or  Ouontagucoronnons. 

Charlevoix,  Book  I,  page  270-1,  says :  Seven  or  eight 
leagues  Avest  of  Oneida,  between  two  l)eautiful  prairies,  is  sit- 
uated the  canton  of  Onondaga,  contiguous  to  a  beautiful  lake, 
called  Genentaha,  about  which  there  are  many  salt  foulitains, 
the  shores  ot  v.hich  are  always  covered  with  very  fine  salt. 
Two  leagues  further  off,  drawing  towards  the  Canton  of  Cayu- 
ffa,  we  find  a  fountain,  the  Avatcr  of  whicli  is  white  as  milk, 
having  a  very  strong  odor  ;  which,  being  put  upon  the  fire, 
becomes  a  kind  of  salt,  as  acrid  as  lunar  caustic.  All  this 
country  is  charming  and  well  adapted  to  all  kinds  of  tillage. 

Francis  Creuxieus,  a  Jesuit,  who  wrote  a  large  quarto  vol- 
ume in  Latin,  which  was  published  in  Paris,  1074,  entitled 
a  History  of  Canada  and  New  France,  in  ten  books,  to  the 
vcar  1(J;jG.  After  describing  his  par-sage  along  the  shores  of 
the  Cadnraqui,  (Ontario)  he  says  :  Lib.  X.  page  7-30,  (literally 
translated)  therefore,  four  days  afterwards,  with  a  great  com- 
pany, wc  were  conducted  to  the  place  fixed  upon  for  the  set- 
tlement and  abode  of  the  French,  four  miles  distant  from 
where  we  had  first  ;.et  ouv  foot.  It  is  scarcely  possible  to  find 
anything  naturally  more  perfect.  And  if  it  was  aided  by  art 
as  in  France  and  other  parts  of  Europe,  it  would  not  suffer  in 
a  comparison  with  Baiix;.*  A  grove  of  beautiful  cedars  near 
the  hank  of  the  Lake  Genentaha,  surrounds  on  every  side  an 
extensive  meadow,,  whither  tlie  four  principal  nations  of  the 
Iroquois  were  able  easily  to  asseml)le  in  their  canoes,  as  it 
\vere  at  a  centre,  and  from  which  in  turn  there  \*as  the  most 
easy  access  to  each  of  the  nations,  through  the  rivers  and  lakes. 


*  Bairp,  a  town  oi'  raini);uiii;i,  notoii  by  Cicero  for  its  fertility  and  v,  arm  baths, 
and  as  a  favorite  resort  for  the  Romans,  the  gardens  of  which  were  irrigated  witJi 
:ts  tepid  waters. 

32 


1        , 


♦■''"^^", 


260 


ONONDAGA. 


i  II 


i  M 


The  supplyofvenison  compares  with  the  abundance  of  fish,  and 
that  nothing  may  be  wanting,  tortoises  collect  there  at  the 
opening  of  spring,  in  such  great  numbers,  that  they  may  be 
taken  with  a  net.  Indeed,  so  great  is  the  supply  of  fish,  that 
there  are  said  to  be  fishermen  who  in  the  space  of  a  single 
night,  take  a  thousand  eels  with  a  single  hook.  Two  foun- 
tains intersect  the  meadoAV  about  one  hundred  yards  from 
each  other.  The  salt  water  of  the  one,  furnishes  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  the  best  of  salt,  and  the  clear  pure  water  of 
the  other,  is  excellent  for  drinking,  and  what  is  truly  wonder- 
ful, each  bubbles  up  from  the  same  hill. 

While  the  French  admire  these  things,  the  Iroquois  present 
a  mournful  spectacle,  which  affects  us  with  great  grief. 

Wentworth  Greenhalgh  in  1677  made  a  journey  among  the 
Five  Nations,  and  visited  their  several  villages.  His  journal 
is  preserved  among  tlie  Brodhead  papers  and  is  entitled  "Ob- 
servations of  Wentworth  Greenhalgh,  in  a  journey  from 
Albany  to  y'e  Indians  westward.  Begun  May  20th,  1677  and 
ended  July  y'e  14th  following."  He  thus  remarks  upon  his 
visit  to  the  country  of  the  Onondagas. 

"  The  Onondagoes  have  butt  one  towne,  butt  itt  is  very 
large  ;  consisting  of  about  one  hundred  and  forty  houses,  not 
fcnoud,  is  situate  upon  a  hill  thatt  is  very  large,  the  banke  on 
each  side,  extending  itself  att  least  two  miles,  all  cleared 
land,  whereon  the  corne  is  planted.  They  haVe  likewise  a 
small  village  about  two  miles  beyond  thatt;  consisting  of  about 
•24  houses.  They  ly  to  the  southward  of  y'e  Avest,  about  36 
miles  from  tlio  Onyadas.  They  plant  aboundance  of  corne, 
which  they  sell  to  the  Onyadas.  The  Onondagoes  are  said 
to  be  about  350  fighting  men.  They  ly  about  15  milcf.  from 
Tshii'oqui."* 

At  the  time  the  French  commenced  the  settlement  of  Canada. 
in  1603,  they  found  the  Iroquois  at  war  with  the  Adirondacks, 


*  Tshiroqui  is  mentioned  in  a  preceding  part  of  the  paper,  as  Lake  Teshiroque 
uear  the  village  of  the  Onyadas,  and  is  evidently  Oneida  Lake,  at  the  outlet  ol 
*-hich  was  an  Indian  village  of  considerable  extent. 


EARLY  HISTORY, 


261 


then  the  most  powerful  nation  in  North  America.  The  Adi- 
rondacks  had  always  a  contemptible  opinion  of  the  Iroquois, 
who  then  had  settlements  in  the  vicinity  of  Montreal.  The 
Iroquois  were  driven  from  their  homes,  and  took  shelter  on 
the  banks  of  the  great  lakes,  where  they  have  since  inhabited. 
As  they  had  been  losers  in  the  war,  it  obliged  them  to  apply 
themselves  more  vigorously  to  the  use  of  arms,  in  which  they 
daily  became  more  expert.  They  conquered  the  Satanas,  and 
adopted  the  remnant  of  them.  They  soon  carried  the  war  in- 
to the  heart  of  the  Adirondacks  country,  and  forced  them  to 
leave  it,  when  they  settled  near  where  Quebec  is  now  built. 
Soon  after  these  changes,  the  French  arrived  in  Canada,  and 
settled  at  Quebec,  and  at  once  thought  it  advisable  to  gain 
the  confidence  and  friendship  of  the  Adirondacks,  in  whose 
country  they  had  settled.  Mons.  Charaplain,  the  first  Gov- 
ernor of  Canada,  joined  the  Adirondacks  in  an  expedition 
against  the  Five  Nations.  They  met  a  party  of  two  hundred 
men  of  tlie  Iroquois,  in  Corlear's  Lake,  afterwards  called  Cham- 
plain,  and  both  sides  went  on  shore  to  prepare  for  battle. 
The  French  kept  themselves  undiscovered  till  the  battle  was 
joined,  when  they  interfered  in  favor  of  their  friends  :  and  bv 
the  discharge  of  their  fire-arms,  surprised  the  Iroquois,  who 
were  soon  put  to  confusion,  having  never  before  seen  such 
weapons.     This  affair  it  is  supposed  occurred  in  1009. 

There  is  a  traditionary  account  of  the  wintering  of  Monsieur 
Champlain  in  the  country  of  the  Onondagas,  based  upon  the 
conversations  of  an  old  Frenchman,  fifty  years  ago,  with  Mr. 
Thomas  Wheeler,  of  Salina.  By  this  it  would  seem  that 
Champlain,  with  a  party  of  French  and  Algonkins,  made  an 
attack  upon  an  Iroquois  fort,  late  in  autumn,  and  that  the 
hunting  and  fishing  was  so  favorable  that  the  party  resolved 
upon  spending  the  winter,  and  did  so,  and  it  was  said  they 
did  so  on  the  shore  of  the  Onondaga  Lake. 

In  confirmation  of  this  tradition,  Mr.  0.  II.  Marshall,  in  a 
communication  to  the  N.  Y.  Historical  Society,  gives  the  fol- 
lowing, which  goes  in  part  to  establish  the  tradition,  and  which 
proves  conclusively  that  Monsieur  Champlain  did  visit  the 


^^^■; 


252 


ONONDAGA. 


V"  -ill  1 


Onondagas  as  early  as  1615  :  "  In  the  summer  of  that  year, 
accompanied  by  an  interpreter,  one  French  companion,  and 
ten  savages,  Champlain  embarked  from  Quebec  in  two  ca- 
noes, ascended  the  Ottawa  River,  visited  the  Algonkins  and 
Hurons  living  near  its  sources.  He  had  been  preceded  a  few 
days  by  ten  Frenchmen,  well  armed,  and  by  a  Franciscan  Fa- 
ther, Joseph  Le  Caron,  who  had  gone  to  found  a  mission  in  the 
Huron  country  at  that  early  day.  Soon  after  his  arrival 
among  those  tribes,  Champlain  was  induced  to  join  them  in  a 
warlike  incursion  against  the  Iroquoia,dwelling  south  of  Lake 
Ontario. 

The  expedition  left  in  September,  1615,  accompanied  by 
Champlain  and  the  armed  detachment  of  the  French. 

The  details  which  he  gives  are  so  meagre  that  their  route 
cannot  easily  be  traced. 

After  discovering  the  lake  which  perpetuates  his  memory, 
and  Lake  Huron,  our  bold  adventurer  and  his  companions 
were  the  first  white  men  who  sailed  on  the  Avaters  of  Ontario. 

The  river  avo  descended,  says  he,  entering  into  the  great 
lake  of  the  Untouhonoroiis,  (Lake  Ontario.)  Proceeding  east- 
ward, we  crossed  the  eastern  end  of  the  lake,  from  which  flows 
the  River  St.  Lawience,  we  passed  large  and  beautiful  islands 
on  the  way." 

It  is  supposed  the  party  traversed  by  a  circuitous  route  the 
wilderness,  from  tlie  southern  shore  of  Lake  Ontario  to  On- 
ondaga, crossing  the  Oneida  River  at  tlie  fishing  place,  now 
Fort  Rrewerton.  After  crossing  this  river,  they  mot  a  party 
of  Iroquois  going  to  the  fishing,  about  four  leagues  from  the 
fort,  of  which  they  were  in  search  It  must,  therefore,  be 
concluded  that  the  fort  was  southerly  from  this  place  about 
four  leagues. 

The  following  is  Monsieur  Champlain's  own  account  as 
translated  by  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Bufi'alo.  (See  proceedings  of 
N.  Y.  H.  S.,  March,  1840.) 

After  describing  their  passage  across  the  eastern  end  of 
Lake  Ontario,  the  substance  of  which  has  already  been  given, 
the  narrative  proceeds  as  follows  : — 


"After 
wards  the 
of  the  lak 
woods  nea 
over  a  sai 
pleasant  C( 
which  emf 
ries,  and  s 
and  vines, 
agreeable 

All  the 
is  eighty  L 
by  land  tw 
crossed  a  i 
which  emp 

This  lak 
thirty  leag 
Iroquois  cr 

On  the  1 
met  and  Cii 
tlieir  fisher 
tives  consii 
girl. 

The  savf 
by  cutting 
buked  the  ( 
to  desist  fn 

On  V'.e  1 
fort  of  the 
ilians,  whic' 
until  the  nc 
the  desire  t 
un  the  ener 
eJ  with  my 
never  befor 

*  Oneida  Ls 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


268 


"After  going  fourteen  leagues  in  a  southerly  direction,  to- 
wards the  territories  of  the  enemy,  we  reached  the  other  side 
of  the  lake,  and  the  Indians  concealed  all  their  canoes  in  the 
woods  near  its  bank.  We  traveled  by  land  about  four  leagues, 
over  a  sandy  plain,  where  I  remarked  a  very  beautiful  and 
pleasant  country,  watered  by  many  creeks  and  two  small  rivers, 
which  emptied  into  the  lake.  Besides  these  were  many  prai- 
ries, and  smaller  lakes,  abounding  in  game.  Beautiful  forests 
and  vines,  and  groves  of  chestnut  trees,  bearing  a  small  but 
agreeable  fruit,  were  also  noticed. 

All  the  canoes  being  thus  concealed,  wo  left  the  lake,  which 
is  eighty  leagues  long  and  twenty-five  broad,  and  proceeded 
by  land  twenty-five  or  thirty  leagues.  During  four  days  we 
crossed  a  number  of  streams,  and  a  river  issuing  from  a  lake,* 
which  empties  into  the  lake  of  the  Entouhonorons. 

This  lake,  in  which  arc  beautiful  islands,  is  twenty-five  or 
thirty  leagues  in  circumference,  and  is  the  place  where  the 
Iroquois  catch  their  fish,  of  which  there  is  great  abundance. 

On  the  9th  of  October,  as  our  Indians  were  scouting,  they 
met  and  captured  eleven  Iroquois  who  were  on  their  way  to 
tlieir  fishery,  distant  four  leagues  from  their  fort.  The  cap- 
tives consisted  of  three  men,  four  women,  three  boys,  and  a 
girl. 

The  savages  commenced  the  usual  torture  of  the  prisoners 
by  cutting  off  a  finger  of  one  of  the  women.  Champlain  re- 
buked the  chief  who  was  guilty  of  the  act,  and  induced  him 
to  desist  from  further  cruelty. 

^  On  t'v  10th  of  October,  at  3  P.  M„  we  arrived  before  the 
fort  of  the  enemy.  Some  skirmishing  ensued  among  the  In- 
dians, which  frustrated  our  design  of  not  discovering  ourselves 
imtil  the  next  morning.  The  impatience  of  our  savages,  and 
the  desire  they  had  of  witnessing  the  effects  of  our  fire-arms 
on  the  enemy,  did  not  suffer  them  to  wait.  When  I  approach- 
ed with  my  little  detachment,  we  showed  them  what  they  had 
never  before  seen  or  heard.     As  soon  as  they  saw  us,  and 


♦Oneida  Lake  and  its  outlet. 


:^f^;r.mmfi^ 


■ati:mi* 


254 


ONONDAGA. 


El    '   '  ii^ 


heard  the  balls  whistling  about  their  ears,  they  retired  quietly 
into  the  fort,  carrying  with  them  their  killed  and  wounded. 
We  also  fell  back  upon  the  main  body,  having  five  or  six 
wounded,  one  of  whom  died. 

The  Indians  now  retired  out  of  sight  of  the  fort,  and  re- 
fused to  listen  to  the  advice  of  Charaplain  as  to  the  best  mode 
of  conducting  the  siege,  lie  continued  to  aid  them  with  his 
men,  and  in  imitation  of  the  more  ancient  mode  of  warfare, 
planned  a  kind  of  moveable  tower,  sufficiently  high,  when  ad- 
vanced to  the  fort,  to  overlook  the  palisades.  It  was  con- 
structed of  pieces  of  wood  placed  one  upon  another,  and  was 
finished  in  one  night. 

The  village,  says  Champlain,  was  enclosed  by  four  rows 
of  large  interlaced  palisades,  thirty  feet  high,  near  a  body  of 
unfailing  water.  Along  these  palisades  the  Iroquois  had 
placed  conductors  to  convey  water  to  the  outside,  to  extinguish 
fire.  Galleries  were  constructed  inside  of  the  palisades,  pro- 
tected by  a  ball-proof  parapet  of  wood,  garnished  with  double 

pieces  of  wood. 

When  the  tower  was  finished,  two  hundred  of  the  strongest 
men  advanced  it  near  to  the  palisades.  I  stationed  four  marks- 
men on  its  top,  who  were  well  protected  from  the  stones  and 
arrows  which  were  discharged  by  the  enemy. 

The  French  soon  drove  the  Iroquois  from  the  galleries,  but 
the  undisciplined  Ilurons,  instead  of  setting  fire  to  the  pali- 
sades, as  directed  by  Champlain,  consumed  the  time  in  shout- 
ing at  the  enemy,  and  discharging  harmless  showers  of  arrows 
into  the  fort.  Without  discipline,  and  impatient  of  restraint, 
each  one  acted  as  his  fancy  pleased  him.  They  placed  the 
fire  on  the  wrong  side  of  the  fort,  so  that  it  had  no  effect. 

When  the  fire  had  gone  out,  they  began  to  pile  wood  against 
the  palisades,  but  in  such  small  quantities  that  it  made  no  im- 
pression. The  confusion  was  so  great  that  nothing  could  be 
heard.  I  called  out  to  them,  and  pointed  out,  as  well  as  I 
coold,  the  danger  they  incurred  by  their  imprudent  manage- 
ment, but  they  heard  nothing  by  reason  of  the  great  noise 
wL.h  they  made.     Perceiving  that  I  should  break  my  head 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


265 


in  calling,  that  my  remonstrances  were  in  vain,  and  that  there 
vrere  no  means  of  remedying  the  disorder,  I  resolved  to  effect, 
with  my  own  people,  what  could  be  done,  and  to  fire  upon 
those  we  could  discover. 

In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  profited  by  our  disorder.  They 
brought  and  threw  water  in  such  abundance,  that  it  poured  in 
streams  from  the  conductors,  and  extinguished  the  fire  in  a 
very  short  time.  They  continued,  without  cessation,  to  dis- 
charge flights  of  arrows,  Avhich  fell  on  us  like  hail.  Those 
who  were  on  the  tower,  killed  and  wounded  a  great  number. 

The  battle  lasted  about  three  hours.  Two  of  our  chiefs, 
some  headmen,  and  about  fifteen  others  were  wounded. 

The  uns(i(!cessful  issue  of  the  assault,  induced  the  besiegers 
to  think  of  retiring  until  they  should  be  joined  by  a  reenforce- 
ment  of  500  men  that  was  daily  expected.  Champlain  was 
twice  severely  wounded  with  arrows,  the  first  time  in  his  leg, 
and  the  second  in  his  knee. 

Tliey  remained  before  the  Onondaga  fort  until  the  16th  day 
of  October,  when,  in  opposition  to  the  remonstrances  of  Cham- 
plain,  and  their  chiefs,  they  raised  the  siege,  and  began  their 
homeward  march.  Champlain  being  unable  to  walk,  wa« 
placed  in  a  basket  of  wickerwork,  and  so  doubled  up  and  fas- 
tened with  cords,  that  he  was  unable  to  move.  Thus  bound 
and  confined,  ho  was  carried  by  the  Indians  on  their  backs  for 
several  days.  The  Iroquois  pursued  them  for  half  a  league, 
in  hopes  of  cutting  off  some  stragglers,  but  their  arrangements 
for  the  retreat  were  such  that  they  suffered  no  loss.  The 
wounded  were  placed  in  the  centre,  and  tlic  front,  rear,  and 
wings  were  protected  by  chosen  warriors. 

When  they  arrived  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Ontario,  they 
were  rejoiced  to  find  their  canoes  had  not  been  discovered  and 
broken  up  by  the  enemy, 

Champlain  was  now  desirous  of  returning  to  Quebec  by  way 
of  the  St.  Lawrence,  a  route  yet  untraversed  by  the  white 
man,  but  the  Indians  refused  him  a  canoe  and  guides.  He 
was  thus  compelled  to  accompany  them  home,  and  pass  a  long 
and  dreary  winter  in  the  Huron  country. 


'  ih  I 


ml 


256 


ONONDAGA. 


fie  did  not  reach  Quebec  until  the  following  June,  where 
he  was  received  aa  one  risen  from  the  grave, — the  Indians 
having  reported  his  death  a  long  time  previous." 

It  is  thus  satisfactorily  shown,  that  this  Iroquois  fort  was 
on  the  shore  of  Onondaga  Lake ;  and,  it  is  highly  probable, 
that  it  was  on  the  grouiMl  subsequently  occupied  by  Sieur  Du- 
puis  in  1GG5,  and  also  by  Count  Frontenac,  in  his  expedition 
against  the  Onondagas,  1696,  and  by  Col.  Van  Schaick,  in 
1779.  The  locality  was  always  described  by  the  Fathers, 
as  being  destitute  of  trees,  and  as  a  place  of  surpassing  beauty. 

The  Iro({uois  were  delighted  with  the  stratagems  of  war, 
and  no  superiority  of  force  ever  made  them  neglect  them. 
They  amused  the  French  and  their  allies,  the  Ilurons,  by 
sending  to  the  French  and  desiring  peace.  The  French  de- 
sired them  to  receive  Jesuit  Priests  among  them,  in  hopes  these 
prudent  Fathers  would,  by  some  art,  reconcile  them  to  their 
Interest,  and  engage  their  affections.  The  Five  Nations 
readily  accepted  the  offer,  and  some  Priests  went  along  with 
them.  But  after  they  had  these  in  their  power,  they  used 
them  only  as  hostages,  and  thereby  obliged  the  French  to  stand 
neuter,  while  they  prepared  to  attack  the  Adirondacks  and 
Hurons,  Avhom  they  defeated  in  a  dreadful  battle  within  two 
leagues  of  Quebec.  This  defeat,  in  sight  of  the  French  set- 
tlements, struck  terror  into  all  their  allies,  who  were  at  that 
time  very  numerous,  because  their  trade  with  the  French  fur- 
nished thorn  with  many  of  the  most  useful  articles ;  for,  be- 
fore this  time,  the  Indians  had  no  iron  tool  among  them.  The 
neighboring  tribes,  the  Utawawas,  the  Nipecerins  and  the  rem- 
nant of  Ilurons,  left  their  territory,  and  fled  for  safety  to  the 
remote  wilds  of  the  south  west,  beyond  what  was  thought  to 
be  the  reach  of  the  Five  Nations. 

The  successes  of  the  Iroquois  had  so  emboldened  them. 
that  th^y  gave  out,  that  the  following  winter  they  should  pay 
a  visit  to  the  Governor  of  Canada,  Under  this  pretence,  they 
fathered  over  a  thousand  men,  and  set  out.  But  meeting  on 
the  way  the  famous  Pi.skaret,  a  chief  of  the  x\dirondacks, 
they  professed  only  a  visit  of  fiicnd.shlp,  and  obtained  from 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


267 


him  the  information  that  the  Adirondacks  were  divided  into 
separate  parties,  engaged  in  hunting.  After  learning  the  lo- 
cation of  these  parties,  and  by  their  address,  securing  all  tho 
information  necessary  to  their  success,  they  murdered  the  un- 
suspecting warrior,  who  had  for  a  long  time  been  a  terror  and 
a  scourge  to  the  braves  of  the  Five  Nations.  Thus,  at  the 
hands  of  professed  friends,  perished  one  of  the  bravest  chiefs 
of  Indian  history.  The  Five  Nations  also  divided  into  two 
parties,  and  fell  upon  the  unsuspecting  Adirondacks,  sur- 
prised them,  and  completely  cut  them  in  pieces.  This  proud 
and  high  spii'ited  nation,  were  now  completely  conquered  and 
nearly  annihilated,  by  a  people  they  at  first  contemned.  Thus 
norished  tho  most  numerous,  haughty,  polite  and  warlike  na- 


tion. 


then  in  North  America. 


The  Five  Nations  afterwards  discovered  the  retreat  of  the 
Ilurons  and  UtawaAvas,  and  not  having  fully  glutted  their  ven- 
ireance,  soon  satisfied  their  enemies,  that  no  distance  could 
hinder  their  ap})roach,  or  time  set  limits  to  their  master  pas- 
m\\.  These  })eople  being  apprized  of  their  approach,  silently 
left  this  home  for  another,  among  the  PottaAvatomies.  The 
Five  Nations  pursued,  and  finally  entered  into  an  agreement 
for  peace.  This  is  said  to  be  the  first  time  (1G50)  the  Five 
Nations  had  visited  these  Avestern  tribes,  Avho  were  so  much 
overaAved  by  the  presence  of  these  victorious  warriors,  that 
many  of  them  left  for  places  of  security,  further  Avestward, 
leaving  these  indomitable  braves  in  quiet  jjossession  of  their 
territory. 

A  ncAV  accession  Avas  made  to  the  French  forces,  by  the  ar- 
rival of  Mens.  De  Traci,  in  June,  IGt)"),  Avith  four  companies 
of  foot  soldiers  ;  and  in  September  of  the  same  year,  Mens. 
Coursel  brought  Avitli  him  a  regiment  of  soldiers  and  several 
families,  Avith  conveniences  for  the  permanent  establishment 
of  the  colony.  Their  forces  being  now  considerably  aug- 
mented, the  French  Governor  feeling  his  superiority,  resolved 
to  chastize  the  insolence  of  the  Five  Nations ;  and  for  this 
purpose,  the  folloAving  Avinter  sent  a  strong  party  against  the 
Mohawks,  which   expedition   proved   highly  disastrous,  and 

33 


•i   b  If  I 


.    ,    J 


258 


ONONDAGA 


K*.. 


•would  have  proved  cntiroly  ho,  but  for  the  hospitality  of  the 
Dutch,  who  kindly  rurnishod  them  provisiona  in  thoir  great 
diHtrosH. 

The  followini^  year,  WM,  th((  whole  disposahh-  forco  of 
Canada  was  eonwutrated  with  a  view  of  inakitij;  a  descent  in- 
to the  Mohawk  (!ouutry,  and  if  possible  to  annihilate  them. 
Tboir  march  was  ;i  hold  one,  considering  the  iinmense  dreary 
forests  through  wliich  tlicv  were  conipelled  to  traverse,  Sdinc 
ei"ht  hnndrcd  or  a  thousand  miles.  On  the  approach  of  this 
warlike  host,  the  Mohawks  retireij  to  the  forests,  with  their 
women  andchihiren,  leavinj^  the  French  the  in;zlorious  triumph 
ofhurninj;  their  hamlets  and  mnrderinj);  sonuMd"  their  ageii 
warriors,  who  prcl'errcd  to  die  rather  than  desert  their  lamies. 
The  ill  success  of  this  expedition,  h'ssened  in  a  f!;reat  do- 
cree,  the  i)ride  and  vanity  of  tlie  l-'rench,  who  had  felt  suro 
of  an  casv  conquest  of  the  eomitrv.  lint  the  fati<^ue  and  loss 
consequent  upon  so  tedious  an  expedition,  without  an  oppor- 
tunity of  giviuL!;  Iiiittle,  made  th.in  desirous  of  ])eace,  which 
was  finally  brou'jht  about  llu"  following  yeiir,  l(l<!7. 

Deposition  of  William  Teller  before  Lord  Belomont,  says, 
that  "about  the  year  KUKi,  the  French  of  Canada  earaowitli 
a  larire  nartv  into  the  country  of  the  Maipms,  and  set  up 
there  the  arms  .-i"  h'rance,  in  brass  plates,  before  their  castles, 
but  were  driven  hack  by  a  party  of  Maquas,  and  would  have 
perished  or  bcon  il'stroyed  but  for  the  humanity  of  the  Dutch, 
who  were  settled  at  Schenectady."* 

In  consequen;.'e  of  the  discomfiture  of  tlie  French,  the  Five 
Nations  assum -d  an  air  of  importance  not  easily  stilled.  A 
party  of  their  hiritevs,  some  time  after,  f,,ilin>;  in  with  a  party 
of  French,  maU'  ba'ale  upon  them,  slew  several,  ami  carridl 
one  home  a  pvi-ouer  to  their  own  country.  Monsieur  Do 
Coursel  threat  em 'd  the  Five  Nations  with  imni'diate  war,  in 
case  they  would  not  yield  up  the  jjartieipators  in  this  act  ot 
hostile  treache.-y.  And  the  F'ivo  Nations,  to  show  their  rea- 
diness to  yield  satisfaction,  sent  Agariata,  the  captain  of  the 


London  Docunieiits,  vol.  11.  p.  I.m. 


KARI.V    HISTORY. 


269 


company  that  connnittcd  the  ajrf^roHsion,  with  sonic  forty  oth- 
ers, to  ht'g  pardon.  But  Monsieur  ('oursel  instantly  hanged 
.\;^ariata  na  an  example,  hul'orc  the  faees  of  hi.s  country- 
inon,  wlio  returned  panie-stricken  by  this  severity  of  the 
French.  The  fieace  however  was  maintained  for  several  years 
without  itiiVaetion. 

In  1(17-,  the  subtle  Count  Frontenac,  who  was  now  Gover- 
nor of  (Janada,  jxTsuiided  the  ehiefs  of  the  Five  Nations  to 
;ilI()W  iiini  to  build  several  forts  within  their  territory  under 
pretence  of  stores  for  tiicrehandize,  and  the  scc^urity  of  Ills 
traileis.  The  En<:;lish  an.  Dutch,  on  the  contrary,  prosecuted 
tlicir  uicasures  only  by  th(.'  arts  of  peace. 

In  1<!77,  a  census  was  taken  of  the  Irofjuois,  by  Ool.  Cour- 
soy,  an  agent  of  Virginia,  which  states  their  warriors  to  num- 
ber : 

Of  the  Ma(iua3,  .^00         Oneidas,  200 

Onoiulagas,  '550         Cayugas,  800 


SenecuH, 


1000 


Total 


warriors. 


2,150 


During  the  revolutionary  war,  the  British  had  in  their  ser- 
vice according  to  the  calculation  of  a  British  agent : 
Mohawks,  800         Oneidas,  150 

Tuseai'oras,  200         ()non<lagas,  800 

Cayugas,  280         Kenecas,  400 

Add  those  who  adhered  to  the  United  States,  220 

Total  warriors,  1800 

In  1788,  Jlev.  Samuel  Kirkland  estimated  the  warriors  at 
1900,  and  the  Aviiolo  p(.pulation  at  6330. 

Schoolcraft,  in  1845,  makes  the  whole  population  residing 
within  the  State,  3733  ;  add  2000  in  Canada,  makes  5733  for 
the  whole. 

The  wars  between  the  English  and  T)utch,  and  those  between 
the  Five  Natioiio  and  river  Indians,  had  considerably  hinder- 
ed the  trade  already  favoral)ly  begun. 

These  dilliculties,  however,  were  speedily  overcome,  and 
peace  at  length  restored  in  all  quarters,  which  left  the  Eng- 
lish and  French  at  full  liberty  to  prosecute  commerce  in  its 
greatest  latitude,  and  both  did  so  with  great  advantage  to  the 


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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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260 


ONONDAGA. 


respective  colonies.  But  from  what  can  be  gatliered,  the 
French  were  by  far  tlie  most  enterprising  and  persevonn<^ ; 
often  pushing  their  emissaries  far  beyond  where  the  whites 
had  ever  been,  they  every  v.here  spread  the  fame  and  splen- 
dor of  the  "  Grand  3Ionarque."  It  must  be  acknowlodccd 
that  for  a  long  period,  the  French  had  a  decided  snperioritv 
over  the  English  in  the  Indian  trade,  who  in  their  Indian  af- 
fairs, always  entrusted  the  chief  management  to  the  special 
care  of  the  Governor  and  principal  oificcrs  of  the  jirovince 
whereas  the  English  left  it  almost  entirely  to  their  tnulers, 
who  Avere  mostly  personally  interested,  and  men  who  had  lit- 
tle knowledge  of  public  affairs.  The  French,  with  the  greal- 
CBt  perseverance,  pushed  their  traders,  and  built  forts  for  their 
protection  far  in  the  interior.  The  only  opposition  they  met 
with  was  from  the  Five  Nations,  who  continually  allowed  the 
English  traders  to  come  among  them.  The  local  advanta-'es 
which  the  English  possessed  over  the  French,  caused  the  lat- 
ter much  alarm,  for  thej''  plainly  foresaw  that  the  Enirlisli 
would  not  only  bo  dangerous  rivals,  but  would  be  able  to  un- 
dersell them  with  their  goods,  thus  their  trade  would  become 
ruined,  their  labor  lost,  and  the  interest  destroyed,  which  had 
been  gained  at  great  expense.  The  Iro-juois  carried  on  war 
with  many  of  the  nations,  wlio  yielded  a  profitable  trade  to 
the  French,  and  frequently  intercepted  supplies  of  goods  and 
ammunition  and  converted  them  to  their  own  use.  This  in  a 
measure  weakened  the  French  power  and  influence,  for  they 
saw  clearly  thr.t  they  were  not  able  to  protect  their  allies  from 
injury  or  insult. 

The  Senecas  always  had  a  peculiar  aversion  to  the  French, 
and  could  scarcely  ever  be  induced  to  receive  any  priests 
among  them.  They  were  consequently  more  firmly  attaciied 
to  the  English,  who  constantly  supplied  them  with  powder, 
arms,  &c.  The  (xovernor,  Do  la  Barre,  for  these  reasons, 
made  complaint  to  the  English  Governor,  Dongan,  (a  profess- 
ed papist,)  of  New  York,  1084,  stating  the  injuries  the  Sene- 
cas had  done  the  French.  To  which  the  principal  Seneca 
sachem  returned  a  spirited  reply,  vindicating  the  conduct  of 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


2C1 


his  nation.  Monsieur  Do  la  Barre,  at  this  time,  Lad  gathered 
the  disposable  force  of  Canada,  at  Cadaraqui.  His  design 
was  to  throw  a  French  army  into  Onondaga,  and  thus  fright- 
en the  Five  Nations  into  terms  of  his  own  proposing.  This 
avmy  consisted  of  nearly  two  thousand  men,  including  Indian 
allies,  which  for  that  time  was  a  formidable  force.  While 
stationed  at  this  place,  in  the  heat  of  August,  his  a^my  suf- 
fered so  much  from  sickness,  fatigue  and  hunger,  that  he  was 
completely  unable  to  accomplish  any  thing,  except  by  treaty. 
Accordingly,  Monsieur  Ue  la  Barre  passed  across  the  lake 
with  as  many  men  as  were  able  to  travel,  and  arrived  at  the 
Kaihohage  River.  The  Indians,  especially  the  Mohawks  and 
Senccas,  had  little  inclination  to  treat,  while  the  Onondagas, 
Oneidas  and  Cayugas,  over  whom  the  resident  Jesuits  held 
considerable  influence,  were  more  favorably  inclined.  Al- 
though strict  alliance  and  friendsliip  existed  between  the  two 
crowns,  still  tlie  English,  seeing  it  much  to  their  advantage, 
advised  the  Five  .Nations  not  to  be  influenced  by  the  French. 
It  Avas  at  this  coancil,  held  at  Kaihohage,  that  De  la  Barre, 
on  the  part  of  the  French,  and  the  famous  Garangula,  on  the 
part  of  the  Five  Nations,  carried  on  one  of  those  remarkable 
debates  which  sometimes  so  effectually  brings  out  the  charac- 
ter of  the  diplomatists  of  sovereign  nations.  The  firmness  of 
Garangula  very  much  frustrated  the  plans  of  the  French,  who 
had  calculated  upon  the  easy  control  of  affairs,  and  of  manag- 
ing things  entirely  in  their  own  way. 

On  the  2d  of  August,  1684,  the  Onondaga  and  Cayuga  sa- 
chems made  proposals  to  the  Governor  of  New  York  asking 
permission  to  be  taken  under  the  protection  of  the  King,  stat- 
ing that  they  were  willing  to  grant  to  him  their  lands  ^'on  the 
Susquehanna  River  to  prevent  the  colonists  of  Pennsylvania 
from  settling  on  them,  and  to  protect  themselves  against  the 
French.* 

The  following  is  the  speech  of  the  Onondaga  chief  Dekan- 
issora,  on  the  occasion  :f 


m 


M    i' 


Hi 


*  London  Documents,  vol.  4,  ]\  1S2. 


t  Ibid  vol.  5,  p.  107. 


f'i 


262 


ONONDAGA. 


"Brother  Corlear — Your  sachem  is  great  and  we  but  a 
small  people.  When  the  English  came  to  Manhattas,  that  is 
New  York,  Aragiske,  which  is  now  called  Virginia,  and  Ja- 
quokrandgare,  called  Maryland,  they  were  but  a  small  people 
and  we  a  great  people,  and  finding  they  were  a  good  people, 
we  gave  them  land  and  treated  them  civilly ;  and  now  since 
you  arc  a  great  people  and  we  but  a  small,  you  will  protect 
us  from  the  French,  which  if  you  do  not,  we  shall  lose  all  our 
hunting  and  beavers,  and  the  French  will  have  them,  and  be 
angry  with  us  for  bringing  them  to  you. 

Brethren — We  have  puL  all  our  land  and  ourselves  under 
the  protection  of  the  great  Duke  of  York,  the  brother  of  your 
great  sachem.  We  have  given  the  Susquehanna  River,  which 
we  won  with  the  sword  for  this  government,  and  desire  that 
it  may  be  a  branch  of  that  great  tree  that  grows  here,  whose 
top  reaches  to  the  sun,  under  whose  branches  Ave  shall  shelter 
ourselves  from  the  French  or  any  other  people,  and  our  fire 
burn  in  your  houses,  rnd  your  fire  burn  Avith  us,  and  we  de- 
sire that  it  always  may  be  so,  and  will  not  that  any  of  your 
Penn's  people  shall  settle  on  the  Susquehanna  River,  for  our 
young  folks  and  soldiers  are  like  wolves  in  the  wood,  as  your 
sachems  of  Virginia  know,  we  having  no  other  lands  to  leave 
to  our  wives  and  children. 

We  have  put  ourselves  under  the  protection  of  the  great 
sachem,  Charles,  that  lives  over  the  great  lake,  and  we  give 
you  two  white  dressed  deer  skins,  to  be  sent  to  the  great  sa- 
chem, Charles,  that  ho  may  write  upon  them,  and  put  a  great 
red  seal  upon  them.  That  we  do  put  the  Susquehanna  River 
above  the  Washiata  or  falls,  and  all  the  rest  of  our  land,  un- 
der the  great  Duke  of  York,  and  no  one  else.  Our  brethren, 
his  servants,  were  as  fathers  to  our  wives  and  children,  and 
did  give  us  bread  Avhen  Ave  Avere  in  need  of  it,  and  we  Avill 
neither  join  ourselves  or  our  lands  to  any  other  government 
than  his,  and  Ave  desire  that  Corlear,  the  Governor,  may  send 
over  to  your  great  sachem,  Charles,  that  dwells  over  the  great 
lake,  with  this  belt  of  Avampum-peag,  and  another  smaller  belt 
for  the  Duke  of  York,  his  brother,  and  we  give  a  beaver 


to 


Corlear  to  se; 
of  Virginia,  ( 
ginia,)  we  let 
in  Corlear's  1 
(juehanna  Rii 
under  his  goA 
of  what  Ave  n 
your  friend  tl 
are  a  free  pe( 
and  do  give  ^ 
The  Marq 
government  ( 
from  France, 
cover  the  fad 
continued  thi 
themselves  ui 
encouraged  i 
who  bought 
French.  In 
arranged  ano 
they  repaired 
visions.  The 
Montreal,  cor 
dians.  Order 
as  possible  at 
agara  in  ord( 
force  of  Fren 
Five  Nations 
used  every  e 
They  sent  to 
plied  by  the  ] 
and  destroye( 
ated  near  the 
ments,  who  a 
fidy.  It  was 
between  the  I 
pedition,  det( 


EARLY    HISTORY. 


263 


Corlear  to  send  over  this  proposition  ;  and  your  great  man 
of  Virginia,  (meaning  the  Lord  Effingham,  Governor  of  Vir- 
ginia,) we  let  you  know  that  great  Penn  did  speak  to  us  here 
in  Corlear's  house,  by  his  agents,  and  desired  to  buy  the  Sus- 
quehanna River ;  but  we  would  not  hear!:en  to  him,  nor  come 
under  his  government,  and  therefore  desire  you  to  be  witness 
of  what  we  now  do,  and  that  we  have  already  done,  and  tell 
your  friend  that  lives  over  the  great  lake,  we  know  that  we 
are  a  free  people,  uniting  ourselves  to  what  sachem  we  please, 
and  do  give  you  one  beaver  skin  to  establish  it." 

The  Marquis  De  Nonville  succeeded  De  la  Barre  in  the 
government  of  Canada,  in  1685  ;  having  brought  with  him 
from  France,  a  considerable  reenforcement,  he  resolved  to  re- 
cover the  fading  honor  of  his  nation.  The  Five  Nations  still 
continued  the  war  with  many  of  the  tribes  who  had  placed 
themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  French.  They  were 
encouraged  in  these  predatory  excursions,  by  the  English, 
who  bought  their  furs,  the  other  nations  selling  theirs  to  the 
French,  In  order  to  divert  the  Five  Nations,  the  French 
arranged  another  expedition  in  May,  1687.  For  this  purpose 
they  repaired  the  fort  at  Cadaraqui,  and  supplied  it  with  pro- 
visions. The  whole  disposable  force  of  Canada  was  gathered  at 
Montreal,  consisting  of  fifteen  hundred  men  f  .ad  five  hundred  In- 
dians. Orders  were  then  sent  to  Mackinaw,  to  assemble  as  many 
as  possible  at  that  post,  when  the  whole  were  to  move  on  to  Ni- 
agara in  order  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  Senecas.  A  large 
force  of  French  and  Indians  were  here  congregated,  and  the 
Five  Nations  being  informed  of  these  mighty  preparations, 
used  every  exertion  to  give  the  enemy  a  warm  reception. 
They  sent  to  Albany  for  ammunition,  and  were  liberally  sup- 
plied by  the  English.  In  the  mean  time,  the  French  attacked 
and  destroyed  two  small  settlements  of  the  Five  Nations,  situ- 
ated near  the  Cadaraqui  Fort,  destroying  their  prisoners  by  tor- 
ments, who  all  the  while  upbraided  the  French  for  their  per- 
fidy. It  was  on  account  of  the  strong  attachment  existing 
between  the  Senecas  and  English,  that  the  French  by  this  ex- 
pedition, determined  to  chastize  them.     The  party  from  the 


M 


Hi' 


264 


ONOiNDAGA. 


west  met  M.  De  Nonville's  party  at  lerundequat.  Here  the 
French  erected  a  fort,  where  four  hun(h-ed  men  Avere  left  to 
guard  the  baggage  and  canoes.  The  sole  object  of  the  expedi- 
tion, was  to  stoj)  the  English  trade.  The  French  proceeded  to 
search  out  the  villages  of  the  Senecas,  and  coming  near  their 
principal  settlement,  about  seven  leagues  from  leruii(lc((u;it, 
found  it  entirely  deserted.  Whereupon  they  concluded  to  try 
and  overtake  the  women  and  children,  and  make  them  prison- 
ers, thinking  thereby  to  accoinplish  their  object  by  treaty. 

During  their  march  to  the  Seneca  towns,  they  had  passed 
a  body  of  Senecas,  who  lay  in  ambush  near  where  the  French 
had  passed.     The  French  finding  no  traces  of  them,  for  a 
while  concluded  all  had  fled  beyond  their  reach  ;  but  suddenlv, 
while  on  their  march,  they  were  attacked  by  a  large  body  of 
Scnecas,  who  loudly  raised  the  war  cry,  and  discharged  their 
firearms  with  deadly  effect  upon  the  French,  who  were  thrown 
into  complete  disorder  ;  and,  had  it  not  been  for  the  friendly 
Indians,  they  would  probably  have  been  irrecoverably  I'outed. 
Then-  loss  as  it  Avas,  amounted  to  over  one  hundred  slain.     The 
Senecas  lost  about  eighty.     The  French  commander,  De  Non- 
vdle,  was  very  much  disappointed  in  this  unexpected  turn  in 
affiiirs,  and  his  men  ineeting  so  bold  a  reception,  could  hardly 
be  persuaded  to 'renew  the  attack.     Having  taken  time  to 
rest,  M.  De  Nonville  concluded  to  mai'ch  on  and  burn  the 
Senecas' village;  but  on  their  arrival,  they  found  it  in  ashes, 
and  not  an  enemy  to  be  seen,  except  two  aged  warriors,  who. 
like  devoted  martyrs  to  their  country's  glory,  died  heroically 
under  the  most  excruciating  torments  inflicted  by  the  French. 
They  also  destroyed  a  few  hamlets  that  fell  in  their  uay, 
and  much  corn  in  the  fields.     After  these  exploits,  they  re- 
turned to  the  banks  of  the  lake,  where  the  little  garrison  had 
been  left,  and  proceeded  to  Niagara.     Before  the  French  left 
for  home,  they  erected  a  strong  fort  at  Niagara,  and  left  a 
garrison  of  one  hundred  men,  and  eight  months  provisions. 
Upon  the  breaking  up  of  this  armament,  the  western  Indians 
returned  thanks  to  the  French  General,  for  establishing  so 
strong  a  fort  for  their  protection  against  the  Five  Nations, 


EARLY   HISTORV. 


265 


and  both  mutually  pledged  themselves  not  to  make  peace  with 
them.  Tiio  garrison  of  which  wo  have  just  spoken,  was  soon 
so  closely  besieged  by  the  warriors  of  the  Five  Nations,  that 
they  all  perished  of  hunger,  except  seven  or  eight,  who  es- 
caped through  the  interference  of  some  of  the  western  Indians. 
The  French  gained  notliing  but  shame  and  disap.pointment 
through  the  whole  of  this  affair  ;  and  to  make  a  show,  and  to 
keep  up  appearances,  sent  thirteen  of  the  Iro(juois  whom  they 
liiid  formerly  surprisf.'d  at  Cadara(iin,  to  France,  as  trophies 
of  their  victories,  and  to  the  everlasting  disgrace  of  the  French, 
thoy  were  placed  in  the  galleys  as  rebels  against  a  Christian 
king.  From  this  bold  irruption  of  the  French  into  the  strong- 
est hold  within  their  borders,  the  Five  Nations  had  just 
cause  of  alarm,  and  the  Onondagas  made  the  following  pro- 
position to  the-''  ancient  ally,  the  Mayor  of  Albany  : 

Dokanissora  speaker — We  have  heard  that  the  French  are 
going  to  make  war  upon  us.  We  have  been  to  Cadaraqui 
,in(l  taken  some  prisoners.  We  have  not  seen  the  Maquas. 
We  desire  of  His  Excellency  to  send  for  our  fort  at  Onondaga, 


SIX  great  guns. 


The  Governo'-  of  Ca(hu'aqui  desired  us  to  come  to  him  this 
spring,  but  wo  did  not  go. 

V>'e  desire  to  deliver  the  French  prisoners  to  your  Excel- 
lency. 

The  F'rench  have  a  fort  at  Onyngara,  (Niagara.) 

The  Cayougas  and  Sinnekes  begin  to  groAv  faint-hearted  be- 
cause the  F'rench  are  strong. 

His  Excellency  spoke  of  making  a  fort,  which  was  pro- 
posed to  be  made  at  Kajonhare,  but  we  are  of  opinion,  that 
it  would  be  better  to  be  at  Sowego,  (Oswego)  a  place  a  day's 
journey  from  Onondaga.  We  renew  the  covenant  chain  and 
give  a  belt  of  wampum  ten  deep. 

Answer — by  Peter  Schuyler,  Mayor,  and  Aldermen,  who 
commends  them  not  to  go  to  Canada,  oi  to  hearken  to  the 
visit  of  the  French  Governor  ;  for  if  you  do,  says  he,  you 
will  suffer  as  have  the  Senecas.  He  recommends  them  to  be 
firm  and  united,  and  they  will  be  protected  by  the  English. 

34 


K' 


206 


ONONDAGA. 


He  advises  tliem  to  winter  at  Catskill,  Rooloffe,  Johuson'a 
Kill,  and  other  eonvoniont  places. 

Let  none  stay  at  the  castles  but  such  as  are  fit  for  war. 
The  women  and  children  should  he  protected. 

The  Mayor  recommends  the  Five  Nations  to  send  one  hun- 
dred men  from  the  Senecas,  fifty  from  the  Cayugas,  sixty 
from  the  Unondagas,  fifty  from  the  Oneidas,  ami  forty  from 
the  Maquas,  to  be  at  Schenectady  this  winter,  (17H7-8)  to 
join  the  militia,  for  it  is  expected  the  French  will  come  by 
way  of  Corlear's  Lake.  This  message  was  acceptable  to  the 
chiefs,  Avho  send  with  joy  to  acquaint  the  brethren. 

Hth  February,  1087-8.  Col.  Dongan,  Governor  of  New 
York,  declares  to  the  chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations,  that  the 
French  shall  deliver  up  all  prisoners  and  goods  taken  from 
tne  Indians,  and  that  he  will  protect  them  against  all  attacks 
of  the  French,  threatening  war  if  they  continue  opposed. 
The  French,  he  declares  are  the  sworn  enemies  of  the  Five 
Nations,  and  states  that  they  have  declared  to  him  that  they 
built  the  fort  at  Onyagara  to  protect  themselves  from  harm 
agjiinst  the  Five  Nations. 

He  states  that  an  armistice  of  fifteen  months  is  agreed  up- 
on to  give  time  for  the  two  governments  to  agree  upon  terms 
of  peace,  and  proposes  to  assist  them  in  the  prosecution  of 
the  war  by  furnishing  men  and  arms,  if  the  war  should  be 
continued. 

Answer  of  the  Six  Nations  to  Governor  Dongan,  through 
Dekanissora,  chief  speaker  : — 

The  sachems  return  thanks. for  the  care  of  the  Governor. 
and  because  he  resents  the  acts  of  the  French,  and  for  not 
hiding  any  thing  from  them. 

We  condemn  the  claim  of  the  French  to  any  part  of  our 
territories,  and  demand  that  their  forts  be  speedily  demolished. 

They  have  no  claim  even  to  Cadaraqui  or  Mont  Royall, 
nor  none  of  our  lands  towards  the  Otowawas,  Diondadies, 
Twichtwichs.  They  claim  title  because  they  burned  our  cabins 
and  destroyed  our  corn.  If  that  is  a  title,  we  have  a  title  to 
the  whole  of  Canada,  for  there  we  subdued  whole  nations  of 


Indians,  and  der 


i 


EARLY   HISTORY 


267 


Indians,  and  deinolislied  their  castles,  in  so  much,  that  great 
trees  grow  where  they  were  built. 

Our  lands  have  been  placed  under  the  protection  of  the 
English  King,  and  ho  must  protect  them  and  suifor  no  en- 
croachments. 

We  formerly  had  a  friendship  for  the  French,  but  it  was 
held  l>y  the  left  hand  ;  that  is  broken  off  now,  and  the  English 
htivo  the  right  hand,  fast  and  firm,  and  we  renew  the  chain, 
that  it  may  bo  firm  and  lasting. 

If  the  Governor  of  Canada  will  not  restore  the  prisoners 
and  goods,  we  will  continue  the  war.  But  we  leave  the  whole 
business  with  the  Governor  of  New  York,  and  whatever  he 
and  the  great  king  agrees  to,  we  stand  by,  whether  peace  or 
war. 

The  great  captain  of  the  Onondagas,  called  "  Canadgcgai," 
(Black  Kettle,)  Avas  invited  in  to  the  house  of  Madam  Toulon 
and  there  met  Pore  Valiant,  who  desired  a  discourse.  And 
upon  Avhat  Avill  you  discourse,  said  the  captain  'i  Do  you  speak 
first.  "Whereupon  the  first  asked  how  it  was  with  the  Five 
Nations,  and  how  they  were  inclined  ?  Why  do  you  ask  mo 
how  it  is  with  them,  Avhen  you  daily  converse  with  the  Gover- 
nor, who  is  their  head  ?  I  should  rather  ask  you  how  affairs 
stand,  that  have  been  so  long  in  agitation  with  him,  to  whom 
he  referred  all  things,  and  whose  commands  we  only  obey  ? 

The  Five  Nations  Avere  advised  by  their  English  allies  not 
to  listen  to  any  proposals  of  peace  from  the  French,  and  they 
were  promised  supplies  of  arms  and  ammunition  for  carrying 
on  the  war.  But  in  spite  of  all  the  efforts  of  the  English  to 
prevent,  the  Five  Nations  continued  their  wars  with  the  south- 
ern Indians.  Through  the  influence  of  the  Jesuit  priests, 
many  of  the  Five  Nations  about  this  time  settled  in  Canada, 
for  the  sake  of  enjoying  religious  instruction ;  but  declared, 
that  if  a  Protestant  priest  was  settled  among  them,  they  would 
return. 

M.  De  Nonville  called  an  assembly  of  the  chiefs  of  the 
Five  Nations  at  Montreal,  and  all  French  officers  were 
ordered  to  cease  hostilities  till  the  deliberations  should  be 


.  M 


t      >1j 


1   1 


t    \i 


It     Li 


y  i 


lii 


268 


O  N  O  N  D  A  G  A  . 


known,  for  he  confidently  expected  to  conclude  a  peace  with 
the  Five  Nations.  In  the  mean  time,  Adario,  the  great  chief 
of  the  western  Indians,  finding  that  his  nation  had  become 
suspected  hy  the  French,  since  the  time  they  had  shown  so 
much  favor  to  the  Ihiglish,  when  they  attempted  to  trade  iit 
Mackinaw  ;  resolved  hy  some  notahle  action  against  the  Five 
Nations,  thereby  to  recover  the  good  opinion  of  tne  French. 
For  this  purpose,  he  set  out  from  Mackinaw  with  one  hun- 
dred men,  and  ciiiuc  to  Cadara(|ui  for  intelligence  of  M.  De 
Nonville.  lie  was  informed  by  the  commander  of  the  I'arri- 
son,  that  a  negotiation  for  a  peace  was  on  foot,  and  that  am- 
bassadors from  Onondaga  would  be  expected  in  about  ten  days 
at  Montreal,  and  he  was  advi^sed  to  I'eturn  to  Mackinaw  with- 
out an  attempt  to  accomplish  his  wishes.  Adario,  surpviseil 
at  this  news,  was  greatly  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  his  nation 
who  he  thought  would  become  a  prey  to  the  rapacity  of  the 
Iroquois,  through  the  perfidy  of  the  French.  He  dissembloil 
his  concern,  and  instead  of  returning  to  Mackinaw,  as  tiie 
French  oliicer  i)roposed,  he  concluded  to  wait  at  the  Cadaraijiii 
Falls,  a  place  which  he  knew  the  ambassadors  must  pass,  and 
intercept  them.  After  a  suspense  of  four  or  five  days,  the 
deputies  came  along,  guarded  by  about  forty  warriors.  They 
were  surprised,  and  all  killed  or  taken  prisoners. 

The  ambassadors  being  greatly  surprised  at  this  piece  of 
what  they  supposed  to  be  French  perfidy,  told  Adario  the  de- 
sign of  the  journey,  Avho  instantly  assumed  an  air  of  ani^er 
towards  M.  De  Nonville,  and  promised  revenge  upon  him  at 
the  first  opportunity,  for  making  a  tool  of  him,  to  commit  so 
horrid  a  treachery.  After  mutual  explanations,  the  crafty 
Adario  dismissed  his  prisoners  with  presents  and  provisions, 
at  the  same  time  declaring,  he  should  never  be  at  ease  till  the 
Five  Nations  had  been  fully  revenged  upon  the  French.  The 
manner  of  Adario  was  so  perfectly  in  keeping  with  his  asser- 
tions, that  the  deception  was  complete.  The  ambassadors 
were  all  Onondagas  and  Oneidas,  with  the  far-famed  Onon- 
daga Chieftain,  Dekanissora,  at  their  head.  They  had  all 
along,  through  the  influence  of  the  Jesuits,  entertained  great 


EARLY   HISTORY, 


269 


affection  for  tho  French.  15ut  this  triui.suction  greatly  changed 
their  mindH  ;  and  instead  of  friendship  and  love,  revenge  and 
(li.'tj.'ust  pervaded  their  hearts,  and  tho  Five  Nations  resolved 
unanimously,  to  prosecute  the  war  with  vigor  against  the 
French. 

It  was  not  long  before  tho  French  felt  the  bloody  effects 
of  this  fell  passion.  For  on  the  2(!th  of  July  UiHH,  twelve 
hundred  of  the  Irocjuois  invaded  the  Island  of  Montreal,  with- 
out the  least  previous  notice,  and  the  Froncli  had  not  the  least 
suspicion  of  such  an  attempt.  They  burned,  sacked,  plun- 
dered and  laid  waste  all  tho  country  around,  and  made  a 
ih'eadful  slaughter  of  nu'n,  wdiuen  aiul  children.  Over  a  thou- 
sand French  are  supposed  to  have  perished  by  this  invasion, 
iind  they  were,  as  it  seems,  completely  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Indians.  Several  French  were  carried  away  captives,  greater 
part  of  whom,  miserably  pei'ished  under  the  most  excruciat- 
ini!;  t(U'ments.  The  whole  colony  was  thrown  into  conster- 
nation, and  Valrenes,  the  commander  at  Cadaracpii,  by  order 
'n  De  Nouville,  abandoned  the  fortress  at  that  place.  The 
'larharities  of  the  massacre  are  too  shocking  to  relate."- 

The  Five  Nations  lost  but  three  men  in  this  expedition,  and 
those  arc  said  to  have  been  drunk  and  were  left  behind.  The 
Five  Nations  were  far  from  jjcing  satiated  by  this  invasion,  for 
in  the  October  following,  they  attacked  and  destroyed  all  the 
lower  part  of  the  Island  of  Montreal,  and  carried  off  manv 
prisoners.  The  consequence  of  these  exjicditions,  was  the 
abandonment  by  the  French  of  fort  Cadara([ui,  and  their 
liiiht  vessels  upon  the  lake  ;  and  they  were  completely  shut 
up  on  the  Island  of  Montreal,  in  comparatively  very  narrow 
limits.  The  news  of  the  success  of  the  Five  Nations,  spread 
through  all  the  Indian  tribes.  It  had  the  effect  to  bring  the 
French  into  very  low  repute  among  them,  and  their  affairs 
were  thrown  into  great  disorder.     The  great  body  of  the  west- 


*  Charlevoix  says,  "  lis  ouvireiit  le  seiu  des  tcniniC!)  tnoientt's  pour  en  arra- 
liier  le  fruit  qi'i  files  |K)rtoient  ils  iiiirenl  des  enlan,«  tout  vivnns  d  la  broche.  El 
iL'or.traignirent  les  meres  de  les  tourner.  pour  lea  faire  rotir." 


;  ) 


h 


'lit 


TW^l 


270 


ONONDACJA. 


orn  IndiariH,  had  already  faultcrcd  in  tlioir  allogianco  to  the 
Fri'iicli,  and  many  were  making  ovorturos  to  tho  EniTJish 
throuf^h  tile  Fivo  Nations.  At  this  cri.sia,  tho  French  oom- 
niandor  at  Maokiiiaw  oxpericiKied  groat  dillioulty  in  niaintuin- 
ing  his  post,  lint  tho  oMt('ri)risiiig  and  sagacious  Mons.  Pe- 
rot had  tho  prudonoo  and  sncooss  of  divortitig  this  order  of 
allairs,  .so  tiiat  tho  contomphitod  sohonios  of  a  general  union 
wore  not  fully  carried  into  ofToot.  Tho  colonists  of  Cainida 
were  in  a  most  doplorahlc  condition  ;  their  men  had  heen  con- 
tinually harrassed  hy  watching  and  fighting  tho  Five  Nations, 
and  in  extending  their  enterprises  among  tho  western  Indi- 
ans, so  th;it  tillage  and  hushnndry  had  heen  entirely  ncs- 
lected.  During  the  several  incursions  of  small  parties  of  tlic 
Five  Nations,  the  French  lost  several  thousands  of  their  in- 
habitants. It  is  difficult  to  conceive  the  deplorable  situiition 
and  distress  they  were  in — none  could  plant  or  sow,  or  pass 
from  one  place  to  another,  wit'iout  danger  of  being  killed  by 
a  skulking  foe.  The  whole  country  being  laid  waste,  famine 
began  to  rage,  and  a  mi.-orablo  end  was  like  to  come  of  the 
colony.  Had  the  Indians  understood  tho  method  of  attack- 
ing fortified  places,  nothing  could  have  saved  tlie  French 
from  entire  destruciion.  Considering  the  state;  of  Indian  af- 
fairs during  this  p(M-io(l,  that  the  Five  Nations  were  divided 
in  their  sentiments  and  measures,  that  the  Onondagas,  Cayu- 
gas  and  Oneidas,  wci'o  more  or  less  inllueneed  by  French 
Jesuits,  and  were  by  them  diverted  from  pr(jseeuting  the  war 
against  (';inada,  by  urging  these  three  nations  against  the 
southern  Indians,  and  persuading  them  to  send  their  war  par- 
ties that  Avay  ;  considering  that  the  Senecas  had  a  war  at 
the  same  time  with  the  western  Indians,  and  that  the  mea- 
sures observed  by  the  English,  during  all  the  reign  of  King 
James  II.,  gave  the  Indians  rather  ground  of  jealousy  than 
assistance  ;  whoever  considers  these  things  and  what  the  Iro- 
quois did  actually  perform,  will  hardly  doubt  that  they  at  that 
time  were  an  overmatch  for  the  French  in  Canada. 

In  September,  1689,  a  deputation  was  sent  from  the  New 
England  colonies,  to  renew  the  friendship  of  the  Five  Nations, 


I 


i:ari,v  II I hto uy. 


m 


and  to  engage  thorn  imains«t  the  eastern  Indians,  who  made 
war  upon  those  (:()h)ni('(4,  and  wore  instigated  by  the  French. 
The  eastern  Indiiins  had  ahoady  preceded  them,  by  four  mes- 
Mges  on  tho  sanie  errand,  and  the  En^'lish  were  anxious  to 
know  the  reception  they  had  met  with.  The  <U«putie.s  of  New 
England  wore  tohl  by  Tahajadori.s,  a  Mohawk  Hadiem,  on  the 
24th  of  September,  that  ho  and  his  peoph>  were  willing'  to 
briglitt'ii  tho  chain  of  friendship,  and  ex[iressod  in  unmeasured 
terms  their  hatred  of  the  Krench,  and  to  continue  tho  strug- 
gle 80  h)n;;  as  a  Frenchuian  remained  alive,  even  to  their  own 
.lestruction.  'i'hey  couhl  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  engage  in 
•nvar  upon  the  eastern  Indians,  but  declared  their  intention 
iif  living;;  and  dyiiijix  iu  peace  with  them. 

The  Kngiish  in  New- York  and  Albany,  having  fears  of  the 
French  in  Canada,  and  their  Indian  allies,  held  a  private  con- 
tVroncc  with  the  chiefs  of  tho  Five  Nations  at  Albany,  2r)th 
September,  wheri'  they  engaged  to  stand  by  their  English 
t'ricnils  in  any  emergency  whatsoever,  and  to  continue  their  war 
with  the  French. 

On  the  27t'i  December,  TOSH,  the  Mayor  of  Albany,  Peter 
Schuyler,  was  notified  that  a  council  would  be  held  at  Onon- 
daga, to  consult  on  injportant  business,  with  a  desire  that  the 
English  would  be  represented  there.  But  little  notice  was 
taken  of  tho  invitation ;  only  to  send  three  Indians  to  dis- 
suade the  Five  Nations  from  entertaining  thoughts  of  peace, 
or  yielding  to  a  cessation  of  arms. 

On  the  22(1  of  .January,  a  general  council  was  opened  at 
Onondaga,  consisting  of  eiglity  sachems.  The  Albanians  had 
sent  a  messenger  to  attend  this  assembly.  Sadekanaghtie 
stated  that  tho  Count  Froutenac  had  returned  to  the  govern- 
ment of  Canada,  and  invited  an  assembly  of  the  Five  Nations 
to  meet  him  at  Cadarai^ui,  and  in  particular,  that  Dekanissora 
should  be  there  to  treat  of  peace.  Some  of  the  sachems,  who 
were  favorably  disposed  towards  tho  French,  advised  their 
meeting  the  French  Governor  in  the  spring.  But  after  a  long 
and  tedious  debate,  it  was  concluded  not  to  send  Dekanis- 
sora with  a  delegation  to  Cadaraqui,  and  finally  sent  word  to 


ill:  T 


Pit. 


272 


ONONDAGA. 


Governor  Frontenac  that  they  had  little  faith  in  the  French, 
and  could  not  rely  on  their  treaties,  nor  trust  their  professions 
of  friendsliip.  The  Count  Frontenac  was  still  desirous  of 
rousinn;  the  drooping  spirits  of  the  French  in  Canada.  The 
English  and  French  wore  now  engaged  in  war,  and  to  rally 
the  coi'vago  of  his  desponding  countrymen,  it  was  arranged 
that  i/iirce  several  parties  shouUl  make  sepai-ate  at*^acks  upon 
the  English  colonies  in  liopes  to  lessen  the  confidence  the  Five 
Nations  had  in  the  English.  One  coniniandod  by  ^^  D.  Ail- 
lebout,  M.  D.  Mantel,  and  1*.  Le  Moyne,  made  a  descent  upon 
Schenectady,  in  Fcl)rnary,  ](!8iJ-l,)0,  whicli  conii)lete!y  dcso- 
hvtcd  that  village.  The  colonists  of  both  countries  were  now 
heartily  engaged  in  the  war  ;  the  course  the  Five  Nations  de- 
cided to  pursue,  was  of  infinite  importance  to  both.  The  very 
being  of  the  French  colony  depended  upon  it,  as  well  a;  the 
.safety  of  the  Englisli.  Affairs  were  >iow  destined  to  take  a 
turn  decidedly  favorable  to  the  Froich,  and  tliis  in  tlio  main 
was  owing  to  the  .-(ubtloty,  wisdom,  prudence  and  pensevorance 
of  M.  Do  Frontenac,  in  whom  the  colonists  of  Ciinada  had 
unhesitating  coTiildence  i'l  respect  to  his  public  spiiit  and  ca- 
pacity. They  entered  into  all  his  measures  with  alacrity,  and 
obeyed  his  commands  with  cheerfulness,  whereas  the  English 
people  held  their  colonial  Governors  in  no  very  higti  esteem. 
The  Count  Frontenac  Vr-as  in  hopes  the  Five  Nations  would 
incline  to  peace,  and  uifoi'ed  further  proposals,  l)nt  Ids  ambas- 
sadors were  taken  prisoners,  and  after  being  compelled  to  run 
the  gauntlet,  were  delivered  to  tlio  English.  This  conduct 
satisfied  M.  Do  Frontenac,  that  tliere  was  little  hope  in  nego- 
tiation. Tiic  French  were  continually  harrassed  by  small  par- 
ties of  the  Five  Nations,  on  their  route  to  remote  posts,  and 
also  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Montreal,  oftentimes 
victorious,  spreading  alarm  and  desolation  throughout  the 
whole  country.  The  English  at  this  time  did  not  render  the 
jissistance  the  Five  Nations  expected,  in  consecpience  of  which 
the  Mohawks,  being  neareat  to  the  English,  sent  one  of  their 
chiefs  to  Monsieur  De  Fi'ontenac  with  a  view  of  negotiating  a 
peace.     The  ambassador  found  the  Count  ready  to  treat  on 


terms  of  friem 
to  his  nation, 
and  friendship 
cute  the  war  w 
operate.  The 
idle  words  of  ] 
ly  to  the  work 
would  succeed 
on  the  M'ar  by 
an  attack  upor 
hundred  men, 
ter  Schuyler,  \ 
expedition  of  1 
command  of  S 
Montreal,  bein 
force  such  a  re 
Ham,  by  his  im 
ment,  and  was  i 
gage  that  had 
failed,  and  not 
tinned  their  ex 
rence,  from  Mr 
Notwithstandin 
continual  hara> 
under  of  keepi 
ground,  or  of  r 
tress  throughoi 
added  to  the  1 
kept  up  his  woi 
anee  of  convin 
with  the  Englif 
afraid, — that  1 
invasion.  The 
eitirely  engro> 
In  lian  allies  W( 
mon  enemy,  wl 
among  them. 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


278 


Til 


terms  of  friendship,  and  gave  a  belt,  with  proposals  of  peace 
to  his  nation.  Thoy  also  renewed  their  professions  of  peace 
and  friendship  with  the  English,  and  their  resolution  to  prose- 
cute the  war  with  the  French  provided  the  English  would  co- 
operate. The  Five  Nations  were  no  longer  to  be  amused  with 
idle  words  of  English  professions,  and  unless  they  came  bold- 
ly to  the  work,  there  was  every  reason  to  believe  the  French 
would  succeed  in  making  peace,  and  leave  tho  English  to  carry 
on  the  war  by  themselves.  Finally  a  plan  was  arranged  for 
an  attack  upon  Quebec  and  Montreal.  A  land  force  of  five 
hundred  men,  and  a  large  body  of  Indians,  under  Major  Pe- 
ter Schuyler,  were  to  advance  by  Lake  Champlain,  and  a  naval 
expedition  of  thirty  sail,  by  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  under 
command  of  Sir  Wm.  Phipps.  M.  Do  Callieres,  Governor  of 
Montreal,  being  apprised  of  these  intentions,  gave  the  land 
force  such  a  reception  as  obliged  them  to  retire,  and  Sir  Wil- 
liam, by  his  imbecility  and  inactivity,  let  slip  the  golden  mo- 
ment, and  was  repulsed  with  the  loss  of  all  the  cannon  and  bag- 
gage that  had  been  landed.  The  whole  expedition  signally 
failed,  and  nothing  was  accomplislied.  The  Five  Nations  con- 
tinued their  excursions  in  small  parties  all  along  the  St.  Law-- 
rence,  from  Montreal  to  Quebec,  and  destroyed  many  persons. 
Notwithstanding  the  French  preserved  their  country,  these 
continual  hiirassiug^,  and  the  necessity  they  were  continually 
under  of  keeping  guard,  prevented  them  from  cultivating  the 
ground,  or  of  reaping  the  harvest.  This  occasioned  great  dis- 
tress throughout  the  colony,  and  the  miseries  of  famine  were 
added  to  the  horrors  of  Indian  war.  The  aged  Frontenac 
kept  up  his  wonted  energy ;  he  was  well  aware  of  the  import- 
ance of  convincing  the  Five  Nations,  that  their  joint  attacks 
with  the  English  had  neither  digcouraged  him  or  made  him 
afraid, — that  he  was  as  vigorous  for  war  as  before  the  last 
invasion.  The  distractions  in  the  province  of  New  York,  so 
entirely  engrossed  the  attention  of  the  English,  that  their 
In  lian  allies  Avere  left  almost  alone  to  contend  with  the  com- 
mon enemy,  which  was  the  cause  of  considerable  disaffection 
them.     They  had  made  proposals  of  peace  through 

35 


1.1 


'1  i  i 


*.   I    .1 


among 


1  < 


m 


274 


ONONDAGA. 


the  Mohawks  to  Count  Frontenac,  but  through  the  interposi- 
tion of  Colonel  Sloughtcr,  then  Governor  of  New  York,  it 
was  not  consummated.  The  Five  Nations  continued  their  incur- 
sions during  the  whole  winter,  (1090-01,)  greatly  distressing 
the  French.  In  the  summer  of  this  year,  Major  Peter  Schuy- 
ler, then  Mayor  of  Albany,  made,  witli  a  party  of  the  Five 
Nations,  a  bold  irruption  upon  the  French  settlements  by  way 
of  Lake  Champlain.  This  expedition  was  successful.  The 
Enirlish  returned  victorious,  which  inspired  the  warriors  of 
the  Five  Nations  with  new  vigor  and  new  hopes.  They  con- 
tinued their  hostilities  under  their  favorite  leader  Kanahjeaga, 
who  with  his  warriors,  and  by  his  frequent  incursions,  kept 
the  country  in  a  constant  state  of  alarm,  and  continually  har- 
rassed  the  French  borders.  In  the  midst  of  these  distresses, 
the  French  Governor  preserved  his  accustomed  sprightliness 
and  humor,  animating  every  body  around  him.  He  learned 
that  a  considerable  body  of  the  Five  Nations  were  hunting 
beaver  wc;>t  of  the  Niagara  lliver  in  fancied  security,  and  he 
resolved  at  once  to  surprise  them.  For  this  purpose  three 
hundred  young  men  Avere  sent  forward  under  command  of 
•Monsieur  Beaucouv,  in  the  heart  of  winter,  and  the  party 
suffered  severely  during  the  march  from  cold  and  want  of 
provisions,  having  none  but  what  they  carried  on  their  backs. 

After  an  almost  incrediljlc  march,  for  so  severe  a  season, 
they  succeeded  in  surprising  about  eighty  of  the  Five  Nations, 
who  made  a  brave  defense,  and  only  yielded  after  they  had 
lost  most  of  their  men  dead  on  the  spot.  The  French  re- 
treated to  Montreal,  with  a  few  prisoners  to  grace  their  tri- 
umph. This  was  a  severe  expedition,  but  it  tended  to  revive 
the  flagging  spirits  of  the  French,  and  taught  the  Five  Nations 
that  they  were  by  no  means  a  despicable  enemy. 

In  return,  the  Five  Nations,  took  possession  of  all  the  passes, 
and  entirely  c;  structed  the  communication  of  the  French  with 
their  western  allies,  intercepting  every  traveler  who  chanced 
to  pass  that  way.  Kanahjeaga,  with  a  large  band  of  warriors 
hung  around  the  Cadaraqui  River,  in  hopes  of  meeting  parties 
from  the  upper  lakes,  or  of  French,  proceeding  that  way 


succeeding  ii 
the  country  { 
had  with  hin 
the  country  j 
The  populati 
diers  had  stri 
tirely  on  the 
jeaga  had  be 
length  began 
four  hundred 
least  cxpecte 
French  had 
the  Indians  f 
ing  twenty  r 
French  lost  fc 
caped  from  th 
puting  the  p 
captain,  who, 
was  himself  I 
French  for  t 
the  forts,  and 
his  scalp.  T 
when  he  four 
bravados  of  h 
his  good  nam 
torture  of  t\ 
cruelty,  M.  II 
could  invent, 
treaty  was  en 
of  the  Englisl 
June,  1092,  a 
dislike,  becaui 
sistance  as  h 
reason  to  exj 
after  much  coi 
edr    This  CO 


Not 


EARLY   HISTORY, 


275 


succeeding  in  his  designs,  he  resolved  to  carry  the  war  into 
the  country  around  Montreal.     The  French  accounts  say,  he 
had  with  him  six  hundred  men.     This  famous  chief  overran 
the  country  as  the  sweeping  torrent  does  the  lowly  valley. 
The  population  sought  shelter  in  fortified  places,  and  the  sol;- 
diers  had  strict  orders  to  remain  within  their  forts  and  act  en- 
tirely on  the  defensive.     After  the  warriors  under  Kanah- 
jeaga  had  become  weary  of  slaughter  aad  desolation,  they  at 
length  began  to  retire.     Mons.  Vaudreuil  pursued  them  with 
four  hundred  men.     He  overtook  them  at  a  time  when  they 
least  expected  it;  a  desperate  battle  ensued;  although  the 
French  had  nearly  surrounded  about  two  hundred  of  them, 
the  Indians  fought  bravely,  and  cut  tlieir  way  through,  leav- 
ing twenty  men  dead  on  the  spot ;  the  rest  escaped.     The 
French  lost  four  ofBcers  and  a  number  of  privates.    Having  es- 
caped from  this  attack,  we  next  find  them  below  Montreal,  dis- 
puting the  passage  of  a  flotilla  under  convoy  of  a  French 
captain,  who,  as  he  passed  through  the  isles  in  Lake  St.  Pierre, 
was  himself  killed  and  his  whole  party  entirely  routed.     The 
French  for  the  whole  summer,  were  obliged  to  keep  within 
the  forts,  and  not  a  man  could  stir  out  without  danger  of  losing 
his  scalp.     The  Count  Frontenac  was  pierced  to  the  heart, 
when  he  found  that  he  could  not  revenge  these  insults  and 
bravados  of  his  enemies.     At  this  time,  he  signally  tarnished 
his  good  name  and  venerable  character,  by  the  murder  and 
torture  of   two  unfortunate  captives.     Notwithstanding  tliis 
cruelty,  M.  De  Frontenac,  used  every  device  his  imagination 
could  invent,  to  bring  about  a  peace,  but  without  success.     A 
treaty  was  entered  into  between  Capt.  Ingoldsby  on  the  part 
of  the  English,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations,  at  Albany, 
June,  1692,  at  which  time,  the  Indians  manifested  considerable 
dislike,  because  the  English  did  not  so  fully  render  them  as- 
sistance as  had  been  agreed,  and  as  the  Five  Nations  had 
reason  to  expect,  considering  they  were  at  open  war.     But 
after  much  counselling,  the  chain  of  friendship  was  "  brighten- 
ed."   This  council  was  managed  on  the  part  of  the  Five  Na- 


3li  '^ 


276 


ONONDAGA, 


tions  by  Ohedaun,  an  Oneida  sachem,  who  made  a  long  and 
very  sensible  speech. 

The  Count  De  Frontenac  knew  well,  that  unless  some  bold 
and  successful  enterprise  should  succeed,  it  would  soon  be  too 
late  to  effect  a  reaction.  An  attack  upon  the  Mohawks  was 
contemplated,  for  the  purpose  of  showing  that  the  English 
would  not  protect  their  nearest  neighbors.  The  winter  was 
chosen  as  the  most  appropriate  season  for  surprising  their  ene- 
mies, who  could  not  keep  scouts  abroad  at  that  inclement  sea- 
son, or  the  English  render  timely  assistance.  An  army,  con- 
sisting of  French  and  Indians,  amounting  to  seven  hundred 
men,  and  supplied  with  snow-shoes  and  everything  necessary 
for  a  winter  campaign,  set  out  from  Prairie  de  Magdaleine. 
15th  of  January,  1693. 

After  a  march  of  incredible  hardship  through  pathless  for- 
ests, they  passed  Schenectady  on  the  6th  of  February,  and 
succeeded  in  capturing  the  three  lower  Mohawk  castles,  with 
little  opposition.  Three  hundred  Mohawks  were  made  pri- 
soners, and  several  slain,  the  French  having  lost  thirty  men. 
On  the  retreat  of  the  French,  they  were  pursued  by  a  party 
of  Albany  militia,  under  Major  Peter  Schuyler,  but  nothing 
decisive  accomplished.  This  invasion  of  the  French  into  the 
immediate  neighborhood  of  the  English  settlements,  produced 
the  greatest  alarm,  and  had  the  eff"ect  also  to  dishearten  the 
Mohawks,  but  still,  through  English  influence,  they  were  in- 
duced to  continue  the  war.  Hitherto,  for  a  number  of  years, 
the  French  had  been  unable  to  bring  down  their  furs  and  pel- 
try from  Mackinaw,  and  they  had  so  accumulated,  that  there 
were  large  stores  on  hand.  The  Five  Nations  had  so  blocked 
up  the  passage,  that  there  had  been  but  little  communication. 
But  now,  a  time  had  come,  when  it  was  so,  that  two  hundred 
canoes  loaded  with  furs,  had  arrived  safely  at  Montreal,  which 
caused  as  much  joy  there,  as  ever  the  richly  laden  galleons 
did  in  Spain. 

By  the  bold  stroke  before  related,  the  warlike  ardor  of  the 
Five  Nations  was  considerably  abated,  and  as  it  was  the  pohcy 
of  the  French,  to  secure  a  peace  on  as  favorable  terms  as  pos- 


sible, negotii 
tinned  throu 
the  Jesuits, 
caused  them 
oil  for  that  p 
of  Albany,  ^ 
arras,  ammui 
to  the  Five 
cas,  Cayuga 
for  continuii 
Mohawks,  m( 
held  back, 
ambassador 
informing  th 
considered, 
head  of  whoii 
is  said  to  ha\ 
He  rehearse(] 
of  the  Engli 
have  done  ho 
nation,  with 
is  said  to  ha\ 
tiation  was  ] 
praying  Indi 
branch  of  tli 
French  and 
attachments, 
vention  at  All 
raissioners  wc 
ehusetts  and 
were  desirous 
which  were,  t 
fort  at  Cadar 
English  shou; 
dians.     But 
French  shoult 
raqui,  nor  inc 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


277 


sible,  negotiations  for  that  purpose  were  set  on  foot,  and  con- 
tinued through  the  years  1693  and  1694.     The  influence  of 
the  Jesuits,  and  the  disappointed  hopes  of  English  assistance, 
caused  them  more  willingly  to  yield  to  the  opening  of  a  coun- 
cil for  that  purpose ;  but,  through  the  agency  of  Col.  Fletcher 
of  Albany,  who  distributed  timely  and  liberal  presents  of 
arras,  ammunition,  knives,  hatchets,  clothing,  provisions,  &c., 
to  the  Five  Nations,  the  negotiation  was  staid.     The  Sene- 
cas,  Cayugas,  Onondagas  and  Oneidas,  felt  more  in  mood 
for  continuing  on  friendly  terms  with  the  French ;  but  the 
Mohawks,  more  under  the  immediate  influence  of  the  English, 
held  back.     The  four  nations  met  and  resolved  to  send  an 
ambassador  to  the  Governor  of  the  French,  but  not  without 
informing  the  Mohawks  and  English,  whose  advice  was  to  be 
considered.     Several  sachems  were  sent  to  Albany,  at  the 
head  of  whom  was  Dekanissora,  whose  speech  on  this  occasion, 
is  said  to  have  been  a  brilliant  effort  of  native  tact  and  genius. 
He  rehearsed  the  aff'airs  of  the  French,  and  the  pusillanimity 
of  the  English,  with  an  accuracy  and  ingenuity,  that  would 
have  done  honor  to  the  most  skilful  diplomatists  of  the  polished 
nation,  with  which  he  was  then  in  contact.     Sadekanashtie 
is  said  to  have  taken  a  part  in  this  council.     While  this  nego- 
tiation was  pending,  Dekanissora  visited  Montreal  and  the 
praying  Indians,  in  order  to  secure  the  cooperation  of  that 
branch  of  the  Five  Nations.     But  they,  true  alike  to  the 
French  and  their  Jesuit  priests,  remained  unaltered  in  their 
attachments.     Dekanissora  returned,  and  laid  before  the  con- 
vention at  Albany,  an  account  of  his  mission  to  Canada.    Com- 
missioners were  present  from  New- York,  New-Jersey,  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut.     His  report  was,  that  the  French 
were  desirous  of  peace  only  on  their  own  terms,  the  chief  of 
which  were,  that  they  should  have  the  privilege  to  rebuild  the 
fort  at  Cadaraqui,  and  keep  a  garrison  there,  and  that  the 
English  should  not  be  encouraged  to  trade  with  Canada  In- 
dians.    But  the  policy  of  the  Five  Nations  was,  that  the 
French  should  not  be  permitted  to  rebuild  H^-,  fort  at  Cada- 
raqui, nor  include  their  Indian  allies  in  the  p\.'a>  o,  with  whom 


'  m 


<  iJ] 


Sl-!l 


278 


ONONDAGA. 


the  Five  Nations  wished  to  be  at  war.  They  were  dismissed 
with  a  large  supply  of  presents,  and  many  fair  promises  in 
case  of  compliance.  They  threatened  the  Five  Nations  with 
utter  destruction,  in  case  of  their  refusal  of  the  terms  they  had 
offered. 

The  Five  Nations  refusing  to  come  to  the  terms  proposed, 
the  Governor  resolved  to  force  them,  and  as  he  suspected  they 
continued  obstinate  through  English  influence,  he  resolved  to 
make  an  attack  upon  the  Mohawks,  but  a  prisoner,  learning 
his  design,  escaped  and  informed  them,  and  the  expedition 
was  abandoned. 

In  the  summer  of  1695,  the  Count  Do  Frontenac  sent  a 
body  of  French  and  Indians  to  repair  the  fortifications  at  Ca- 
daraqui,  which  were  found  to  be  in  a  much  bettor  condition 
than  was  expected.  The  French  certainly  possessed  them- 
selves of  a  great  advantage  in  this  place,  as  it  was  considered 
one  of  great  security  to  their  traders  in  passing  from  Macki- 
naw to  Montreal.  It  served  as  well  for  stores,  as  a  place  of 
security  and  retreat,  in  all  enterprises  against  the  Five  Na- 
tions, an ''.  it  greatly  exposed  them  in  their  irruptions  to  the 
neighborhood  of  the  French.  The  English  were  exceedingly 
uneasy  when  they  found  that  the  French  had  regained  posses- 
sion of  Cadaraqui,  and  blamed  the  Five  Nations  for  not  pre- 
venting it.  The  French  were  also  troubled  upon  hearing  that 
the  western  Indians  had  nearly  concluded  a  peace  with  the 
Five  Nations.  Had  the  western  Indians  perseveringly  ad- 
hered to  their  first  intentions  of  making  peace,  it  would  pro- 
bably have  ended  the  colony  of  the  French  in  Canada,  for 
without  their  aid  it  Avould  have  been  impossible  for  them  to 
continue.  These  nations  being  continually  at  war  with  the 
Iroquois,  they  were  obliged  to  keep  at  home  a  large  force  to 
defend  themselves  against  those  nations,  otherwise  the  Iro- 
quois would  have  been  able  to  throw  their  whole  force  against 
Canada. 

Having  secured  the  alliance  of  the  western  Indians,  and 
failing  of  making  a  peace  with  the  Five  Nations,  the  Count 
Frontenac  resolved  upon  a  signal  effort  to  conquer  and  subdue 


them.  Ilaviuj 
now  called  by  1 
ammunition  an 
and  wounded  i 
Nations  feel  tli 
ing  his  terms  c 
assembled  all  t 
body  of  Canac 
mustered,  consi 
Adirondacks,  i 
Indians  of  the 
Instead  of  wa<j 
country  as  he  1 
through  rivers 
whenever  the  r 
mus,  rendered 
On  the  4th  ^ 
end  of  the  Isla 
under  the  conn 
ornor  of  Mont: 
under  the  comr 
van.  He  had 
small  pieces  of 
sils  and  ammur 
followed  the  C 
accompanied  b 
young  and  acco 
four  battalions 
Ramezai,  Gove 
regulars  and  a 
ell,  brought  up 
that  those  who  ■ 
following.  Inc 
gence  of  the 
they  were  oblij 
bateaux,  partiei 
twelve  days  ma: 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


270 


them.  Having  repaired  and  garrisoned  the  fort  at  Cadaraqui, 
now  called  by  his  name,  making  it  a  place  of  deposit  for  arms, 
ammunition  and  provisions,  as  well  as  a  retreat  for  the  sick 
and  wounded  undta'  his  command,  resolved  to  make  the  Five 
Nations  feel  the  full  force  of  his  resentment,  for  their  refus- 
ing his  terms  of  peace.  For  this  purpose,  in  June,  1696,  he 
assembled  all  the  regular  troops  under  his  command,  the  whole 
body  of  Canadian  militia,  and  all  the  Indians  that  could  be 
mustered,  consisting  of  Oweniigungas,  Quatoghies,  of  Loretto, 
Adirondacks,  Sokakies,  Nipiciriniens,  the  proselyted  praying 
Indians  of  the  Five  Nations,  a  few  F^awawas  and  Abenaquis. 
Instead  of  wagons  and  horses,  which  were  useless  in  such  a 
country  as  he  had  to  march  through,  the  army  was  conveyed 
through  rivers  and  lakes  in  light  barks,  which  were  portable, 
vrhenever  the  rapidity  of  the  stream,  or  the  crossing  an  isth- 
mus, rendered  it  necessary. 

On  the  4th  of  July  the  army  left  La  Chine,  on  the  south 
end  of  the  Island  of  Montreal.  Two  battalions  of  regulars, 
under  the  command  of  Le  Chevalier  de  Callieres,  then  Gov- 
ernor of  Montreal,  Avith  about  five  hundred  Indians,  chiefly 
under  the  command  of  Baron  de  Beaucourt,  constituted  the 
van.  He  had  with  him  two  large  bateaux,  which  c.';rried  two 
small  pieces  of  cannon,  the  mortars,  grenades,  artillery  uten- 
sils and  ammunition,  afterwards  followed  the  provisions,  then 
followed  the  Count  himself,  at  tlie  head  of  the  main  body, 
accompanied  by  a  large  number  of  volunteers,  under  the 
young  and  accomplished  Chevalier  de  Grais,  his  engineer,  and 
four  battalions  of  the  militia,  commanded  by  Monsieur  De 
Ramezai,  Governor  of  Trois-Rivieres.  Two  battalions  of 
regulars  and  a  few  Indians,  under  the  Chevalier  De  Vaudru- 
eil,  brought  up  the  rear.  In  this  order  they  marched,  only 
that  those  who  Avere  in  the  van  one  day,  were  in  the  rear  the  day 
following.  Indians  were  kept  out  as  scouts,  to  gain  intelli- 
gence of  the  enemy,  and  for  fear  of  ambuscades,  when 
they  were  obliged  to  carry  the  canoes,  and  drag  the  large 
bateaux,  parties  were  detached  to  cover  the  men.  Aftw 
twelve  days  march,  they  arrived  at  Fort  Frontenac,  one  huu- 


i 

■  ■   J  (  iwr 

¥ ''^^H^^^^B'^ 

■  -m 

f  .|^B& 

■■ 

''i^^B^B 

^B- 

■jt^iB' 

'  '^^^HIH 

^H 

'  1  il 

8 

iHi 

1 

280 


ONONDAGA. 


dred  and  eighty  miles  from  Montreal.     They  waited  at  this 
place  some  time,  for  the  Utawawas,  who  finally  disappointed 
them,   and  in  the  mean  time  raised  a   bateau,   which  had 
been  sunk,  since  the  fort  had  been  deserted.     They  then 
crossed  the  Lake  Ontario  to  Oswego,  on  the  28th  of  July. 
Fifty  men  wore  ordered  to  march  on  eacli  side,  to  prevent  sur- 
prise.    A  military  road  was  cut  around  tho  falls,  and  carry- 
ing their  transports  over  the  portage,  they  moved  slowly  alon? 
the  river,  according  to  tho  intelligence  obtained  from  the 
scouts.     They  had  found   a  tree  as  tliey  passed  along,  on 
which  the  Indians  had  in  their  manner,  painted  tiie  French 
army,  and  lying  by  it  was  a  bundle  of  rushes.     This  was  a 
defiance  after  the  Indian  custom,  to  inform  the  French,  by 
the  number  of  rushes  in  the  bundle,  that  fourteen  hundred 
and  thirty-four  men  would  oppose  them.     Finally  the  whole 
flotilla  debouched  upon  the  waters  of  the  Onondaga  Lake. 
"  It  must  have  been  a  gallant  sight  to  behold  this  warlike 
pageant  floating  on  that  lovely  water,  surrounded  as  it  was 
by  the  lofty  hills  and  unbroken  forests,  which  for  the  first 
time,  had  now  displayed  their  beauty  and  grandeur  to  an  in- 
vading army.     It  must  have  been  sublime,  to  see  the  veterans 
who  had  served  under  Turenne,  Vauban  and  the  great  Conde, 
marshalled  with  pike  and  curiass,  side  by  side  with  the  half 
naked  Hurons  and  Abenaquis  ;  while  gay  and  youthful  cava- 
liers, in  the  tawdry  garb  of  the  court  of  the  magnificent 
Louis,  moved  with  towering  plume  and  flowing  mantle,  amid 
the  dusky  files  of  the  wampum-decked  Utawas,  and  Algon- 
kins.     Banners  were  there  which  had  been  unfolded  at  Steen- 
kirk  and  Lauden,  and  rustled  above  the  troopers  that  Luxem- 
burgh's  trumpets  had  guided  to  glory,  when  Prince  Waldeck's 
legions  were  borne  down  beneath  his  furious  charge.    Nor 
was  the  enemy  that  this  gallant  host  were  seeking,  unworthy 
those  whose  swords  had  been  tried  in  some  of  the  hardest 
fought  fields  of  Europe.     The  Romans  of  America,  as  the 
Five  Nations  had  been  called  by  more  than  one  writer,  had 
proved  themselves  soldiers,  not  only  by  carrying  arms  among 
the  native  tribes  a  thousand  miles  away,  and  striking  their 


enemies  alik 
Carolina  and 
bearded  one! 
shut  up  anotl 
with  the  sami 
vanquished  tl 
George."  (II 
their  army  d: 
that  the  enei 
their  landing 
a  fort.  A  S 
Canada,  and 
was  sent  out 
dagas,  who  w 
their  homes  i 
pose,  they  h 
woods.  But 
French  arm} 
and  that  the^i 
air,  which  fal 
tering  fire  t 
their  weak  s 
most  prudent 
and  bark  cot^ 
Count  Front( 
of  battle.  1 
commanded  t 
on  the  left,  c 
tre  of  a  batti 
fallowed  ther 
Her  de  Vaud 
ions,  in  the  s 
ried  in  an  el 
was  found  pe 
ing  through  t 
dable  mannei 
embers  of   t 


K  A  R  L  Y   HIS  T  O  II  V. 


281 


enemies  alike  upon  tlie  lakes  of  Maine,  the  mountains  of 
Carolina  and  the  prairies  of  Missouri.  They  had  already 
bearded  one  European  anny  beneath  the  walls  of  Quebec,  and 
shut  up  another  for  weeks  within  the  defenses  of  Montreal, 
with  the  same  courage,  which  half  a  century  after,  they  had 
vanquished  the  battalions  of  Dieskau  upon  the  shores  of  Lake 
George."  (Hoffman.)  When  the  French  entered  the  lake, 
their  army  divided  into  two  parts,  coasting  along  the  shores, 
that  the  enemy  might  bo  in  uncertainty  as  to  the  place  of 
their  landing.  As  soon  as  a  landing  was  effected  they  erected 
a  fort.  A  Seneca  who  had  been  some  time  a  prisoner  in 
Canada,  and  who  had  pretended  an  attachment  to  the  French, 
was  sent  out  to  make  discoveries.  Ho  deserted  to  the  Onon- 
dagas,  who  were  waiting  for  the  French,  determined  to  defend 
their  homes  and  castle  to  the  last  extremity,  for  which  pur- 
pose, they  had  sent  their  women  and  children  far  into  the 
woods.  But  upon  the  Seneca's  informing  them  that  the 
French  army,  was  as  numerous  as  the  leaves  of  the  trees, 
and  that  they  had  machines,  which  threw  up  largo  balls  in  the 
air,  which  falling  on  their  cabins  would  burst  in  pieces,  scat- 
tering fire  and  death  every  where  around,  against  which 
their  weak  stockades  could  be  no  defense ;  thoy  thought  it 
most  prudent  to  retire,  and  after  setting  fire  to  their  castle 
and  bark  cottages,  moved  off  to  the  wilderness.  As  soon  as 
Count  Frontcnac  heard  of  tliis,  he  marched  forward  in  order 
of  battle.  The  array  was  divided  into  two  lines.  The  first, 
commanded  by  the  Chevalier  de  Callieres,  who  placed  himself 
on  the  left,  consisted  of  two  battalions  of  militia,  in  the  cen- 
tre of  a  battalion  of  regulars  on  each  wing.  The  artillery 
fbllowed  them.  The  second  line,  commanded  by  the  Cheva- 
lier de  Vaudrueil,  composed  of  tlie  same  number  of  battal- 
ions, in  the  same  order.  The  Count  De  Frontcnac  was  car- 
ried in  an  elbow  chair,  directly  iifter  the  artillery.  But  it 
was  found  perfectly  impossible  to  preserve  this  order  in  pass- 
ing through  thick  woods  and  in  passing  brooks.  In  this  formi- 
dable manner,  the  aged  general,  marched  forward  to  the  dying 
embers  of   the   desertcl  villnjro,   luul  tlius   he    caused   the 


i  u 


h  ifi 


282 


ONONDAGA. 


destruellon  and  exerted  his  fury  on  some  fields  of  Indian  corn 
the  only  aciiiiisition    to  the  arms  of  the  French.      A  briivt' 
old  sachem,  then  upwards  of   a  hundred  years  old,  by  his 
own   desire  was  left  behind,  and  was   the  only  person  wlio 
tarried  in   the  castle  to  salute  the  French,  and  wjio  chose 
this   time  to  end   his  days.     The  French   Indians  j^it  Jiim 
to  the  torture,  which  he  bore  with  astonishing  presence  of 
mind,  and  with  that  heroic  fortitude  which  so  well  becuDio  ;i 
chief  of  the  Onomhigas.     lie  told  his  tormentors,  to  remem- 
ber well  his  death,  when  his  countrymen  should  come  to  take 
terrible  vengeance  of  them.     Upon  which,  one  of  them  stab- 
bing him  several  times  with  a  knife,  he  thanked  him  ;  "but," 
said  he,  "you   had  better   make  medic  by    fire,  that  these 
dogs  of  Frenchmen  may  learn  to  suffer  like  men.     You  In- 
dians, their  allies,  you  dogs  of  dogs,  think  of   me  when  you 
shall  be  in  a  like  condition."      It  was,  says  Charlevoix,  a 
strange  and  curious  spectacle,  to  sec  many  hundred  men  sur- 
rounding a  decrepid  old  warrior,  striving  by  tortures,  to  draw 
a  groan  from  him.     While  life  lasted,  he  reproached  the  In- 
dians with  becoming  slaves  to  the  French.     When  one  stabbed 
him  Avith  a  knife,  "You  do  wrong"  said  ho,  "to  shorten  my 
days ;  you  should  have  taken  more  time  to  learn  how  to  die 
like  men."     He  bore  their  inflictions  with  the  most  stoical  in- 
difference.    Never  Avas  a  man  treated  with  more  cruelty,  nor 
did  any  ever  Ijcar  it  with  superior  magnanimity  and  resolu- 
tion.    He  died  as  became  an  Ind'an  warrior.     This  sachem 
was  the  only  man  of  the  Onondagas  killed.     The  Chevalier 
de  Vaudrueil,  was  sent  with  a  detachment  of  six  or  seven 
hundred  men  to  destroy  the  Oneidas'  corn,  a  feat  which  he 
performed  Avithout  resistance.     Thirty-five  remained  in  t])eir 
castles,  to  make  the  French  Avelcome,  but  the  only  favor  they 
obtained,  was  to  be  made  prisoners,  and  Avere  carried  to  Mon- 
treal.    Though  the  French  army  Avas  much  an  overmatch  for 
the  Onondagas,  both  in  their  arms  and  number  of  men,  yet 
the  Onondagas  Avere  not  so  far  dispirited,  as  not  to  follow  them 
in  their  return.     They  found  many  opportunities  to  revenge 
themselves,  by  cutting  off  every  canoe  that  happened  at  any 


time  to  bo  at  a 
the  French  gen( 
to  Montreal  on 
little  by  this  for 
and  their  bark  ( 
old  sachem  avIk 
glory. 

The  French  i 
planters  being  t 
or  in  watchinn 
famine  ensued 
had  often  happi 
had  been  callec] 
(he  Five  Natioi 
and  the  Frencl 
Albany  and  Scl 
r\'ing  off  their 
parties  of  Indi 
scalping  the  inl 
ern  Indians  thii 
in  spite  of  the  . 
The  reason  the_ 
to  them  cheape 
tions  were  disc 
captain  Avith  a 
fected  their  sur] 
who,  at  the  ini 
burned  alive,  : 
Montreal,  Avere 

DeLanissora 
1697,  to  use  h: 
Nations  from  i 
peace,  but  if  n 
lO  prosecute  th 

The  Cayugas 
tiu'ough  three  ( 
der  and  lead,  1 


EARLY   HISTORY, 


288 


time  to  bo  at  a  diatanco  from  tho  main  body.  This  obliged 
the  French  general  to  hasten  his  march,  so  that  ho  returned 
to  Montreal  on  the  lOtli  of  August.  The  Onondagas  suffered 
little  by  this  formidable  expedition,  but  the  loss  of  their  corn 
and  their  bark  cottages.  They  lost  not  a  man,  except  tho 
old  sachem  who  yielded  himself  a  martyr  to  his  country's 
glory. 

Tho  French  suffered  materially  by  its  consequences,  for  the 
planters  being  taken  from  their  labor,  either  in  this  expedition, 
or  in  watching  and  securing  their  forts  and  country,  a 
famine  ensued  througliout  the  liind  a  circumstance  which 
had  often  happened  in  Canada,  wlieu  the  men  fit  to  bear  arms, 
had  been  called  away  on  such  like  enterprises.  Afterwards, 
the  Five  Nations  sent  several  small  parties  against  Canada, 
and  the  French  and  their  Indians,  in  turn  hovered  around 
Albany  and  Schenectady,  murdering  several  families,  and  car- 
rying off  their  scalps.  Thus  the  war  was  continued  by  small 
parties  of  Indians  on  both  sides,  harrassing,  surprising  and 
scalping  the  inhabitants  of  Montreal  and  Albany.  The  Avest- 
ern  Indians  this  year  concluded  a  peace  with  the  Five  Nations, 
in  spite  of  tho  French,  who  used  every  means  to  prevent  it. 
The  reason  they  assigned  was,  because  the  English  sold  goods 
to  them  cheaper  than  the  French.  A  party  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions were  discovered  hovering  around  Corlear's  Lake.  A 
captain  with  a  party  of  men  Avere  sent  against  them,  and  ef- 
fected their  surprise.  He  killed  several,  and  took  one  prisoner, 
who,  at  the  instance  of  the  French  Governor,  was  publicly 
burned  alive,  and  upon  whom  the  Indians  then  trading  at 
Montreal,  were  invited  to  feast. 

Dekanissora  proposes  to  Col.  Peter  Schuyler,  June  0th, 
1697,  to  use  his  influence  to  prevent  the  people  of  the  Five 
Nations  from  settling  in  Canada,  that  they  are  inclined  to 
peace,  but  if  need  be,  they  are  ready  with  their  whole  force 
lO  prosecute  the  Avar  against  the  French. 

The  Cayugas  also  made  application  28th  of  September,  1697, 
through  three  of  their  principal  captains,  for  a  supply  of  pow- 
der and  lead,  to  defend  themselves  against  the  French  and 


m 


ONONDAGA, 


western  Indians,  and  desire  tho  condolence  of  the  English,  for 
the  loss  of  their  people  slain  in  battle  with  Indians  of  the  west. 
The  treaty  of  Kyswick  was  signed  September  lOth,  lODI, 
by  which  the  French  and  English  were  to  be  at  peace. 

The  Governor  of  New-York,  being  first  informed,  sent  an 
express  to  the  Governor  of  Canada,  with  the  news,  that  hos- 
tilities might  cease.     The  Five  Nations  learning  the  fact  ear- 
lier than  they  of  Canada,  took  advantage  of  it,  in  huntiri" 
heaver,  near  Cadaraqui  Fort.     Tho  Governor  of  Canada  bo^ 
ing  informed  of  this,  and  believing  that  tho  Five  Nations 
thought  themselves  secure,  by  the  general  peace,  resolved  to 
take  his  last  revenge  of  them.     For  this  purpose,  he  sent  ii 
considerable  party  of  Adirondacks  to  surprise  them ;  whicli 
they  did,  and  killed  several,  but  not  without  loss  on  their  own 
side.     The  murder  of  the  distinguished  war  chief,  Kanahjeajah 
of  Onondaga,  at  this  time  caused  the  greatest  aflliction  through- 
out all  the  Five  Nations.     After  the  peace,  a  dispute  arose 
between  the  Governors  of  New- York  and  Canada,  relative  to 
the  disposition  of  tho  prisoners,  which  the  Five  Nations  had  in 
their   hands.     The  French  were  not  willing  to  include  the 
Five  Nations  in  the  peace  ;  but  the  English  had  them  too 
much  at  heart,  to  suffer  them  to  be  injured  by  tho  French,  and 
the  English  Governor  assured  the  French,  that  were  hostiii- 
ties  continued  against  them,  it  would  be  sufficient  cause  for 
the  English  to  continue  the  war.     This  put  a  stop  to  the 
threatenings  of  the  French,  and  both  sides  made  complaints 
to  their  masters.     Tho  two  Kings  ordered  their  respective 
Governors  to  be  assisting  each  other  in  making  the  peace  efTcct- 
ual  to  both  nations.     The  Count  Frontenac  died  while  these 
disputes  continued  ;  Mons.  Dc  Caliercs,  who  succeeded  him 
put  an  end  to  them,  by  agreeing  to  send  a  deputation  to  Onon 
daga,  to  regulate  an  exchange  of  prisoners  there.     For 


t',i 


purpose,  Mons.  Joncaire,  and  the  Jesuit  Bruyas  were  sent. 
When  the  French  commissioners  were  within  a  mile  of 
Onondaga  Castle,  they  arranged  themselves  in  order,  and 
marched  with  the  French  colors  flying,  with  as  much  display 
as  possible.     Th-  grave  old  chief,  Uekanissora,  met  them  with- 


out the  gate,  ar 
wampum.  Thoy 
respect  and  eHte( 
of  firearms,  take 
taineil.  Tho  co! 
factory  peace  ;  i 
exchange  of  pris 
The  French  c( 
the  Five  Nations 
of  the  greatest  b 
Xothing  could  b( 
ate  their  bread 
DUt  of  his  o^^n  1 
laboring  in  'Ii  f 
of  being  killed, 
dole  out  a  long 
torments.  In  si 
suspended ;  whil 
tenances  of  the 
French  commissi 
of  the  Five  Ni 
inented,  and  red 
the  French,  at  ^ 
people,  who  struj 
triumph  with  ho 
friends  among 
many  had  becora 
ing  could  induct 
to  Canada,  agai 
days  among  thei 


EARLY    IIISTORV. 


285 


out  the  gate,  and  complimented  them  with  tliree  strings  of 
wampum.  They  were  received  with  every  demonstration  of 
respect  and  CHtcem,  and  were  saluted  with  a  general  discharge 
of  firoarmH,  taken  to  the  bcHt  cabinH,  and  sumptuously  enter- 
tained. The  commissioners  succeeded  in  negotiating;  a  satis- 
factory peace  ;  and  an  agreement  was  made,  to  facilitate  the 
exchange  of  prisoners. 

Tiie  French  commissioners,  now  being  assured  of  peace  with 
the  Five  Nations,  the  inhabitants  of  Canada,  considered  it  one 
of  the  greatest  blessings  which  could  be  bestowed  upon  them. 
N'otiiing  could  be  more  torr'blc  than  this  last  war ;  the  French 
;ite  their  broad  iti  continual  fear.  No  man  was  sure,  when 
out  of  his  own  house,  uf  ever  returning  to  it  again.  While 
laboring  in  *!y^  fields,  they  were  under  perpetual  apprehension 
of  being  killed,  or  carried  off  to  the  Indian  country,  there  to 
dole  out  a  long  and  fearful  captivity,  or  to  die  in  lingering 
torments.  In  short,  all  business  and  trade  was  often  entirely 
suspended  ;  while  fear,  despair  and  misery,  blanched  the  coun- 
tenances of  the  wretched  inhabitants.  On  the  return  of  the 
French  commissioners,  they  brought  with  them  several  chiefs 
of  the  Five  Nations  from  Onondaga.  They  were  compli- 
mented, and  received  with  every  demonstration  of  respect,  by 
the  French,  at  Montreal ;  and  thus  it  always  is  with  a  brave 
people,  who  struggle  through  every  difficulty,  until  they  finally 
triumph  with  honor.  Notwithstanding  the  French  had  many 
friends  among  the  Five  Nations,  who  were  prisoners,  yet 
many  had  become  so  attached  to  their  new  friends,  that  noth- 
ing could  induce  them  to  return ;  and,  some  who  did  return 
to  Canada,  again  went  to  the  Onondagaa,  and  ended  their 
(lays  among  them. 


i^iri 


,  I 


286 


ONONDAGA. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


EARLY  HISTORY  CONTINUED, 


Council  at  Onondaoa — Councii^  at  Albany,  1700 — English  aoree  to  bhilu  a 
FORT  AT  Onondaoa — Earl  Helomont'h  instuiktions  to  Col.  Romkr— Col. 

RoMEr's  RETURN  AND  RKPORT — ViEWS  OK  THK  FlVE  NATIONS — ATTACHMENT  TO 

THE  English — Iroquois  join  Col.  Sciiuvlur  in  an  ExrEnrnoN  a(;.mnst  thk 
French,  1709 — Unsuccusskul — Aukaiks  oi-  tiii-.  Five  Nations,  and  the 
French  and  wustkrn  Indians— (!ov.  IluNirR  and  tiik  Fivr,  Nations— Oov. 
Burnet — Trai)in(j  House  and  1'\>ut  ai'  ()s\vkc;o — Kxtr  ait  from  the  Journal 
OF  Conrad  Weiskr — Of  the  sevkkai.  Nations  incoruorated  with  the  Iii(>- 
<iuois — Operations  on  the  North  Western  Frontier — Extract  kikim 
Sergeant  Deoarimo's  orderly  Uook— Extract  vrom  Sir  William  Jonx- 
son's  Journal — Col.  Bkadstreet  and  Gen.  Shhu.ey  at  Osweco,  1775-7B— 
Loss  OF  Oswe(;o — Fall  of  (Quebec — Peace — Approach  of  the  Hevoli'tiox— 
Course  pursued  by  the  Indian  Nations  during  the  Revolution — ^V.\n  ir 
1812 — Present  condition  ok  the  Onondagas. 

The  Onondagas  and  Oneidas  made  a  proposition,  3d  of 
February,  1698,  to  the  Governor  of  New, York,  through  De- 
kanissora  and  Carondowaune,  an  Oneida  sachem,  the  former 
being  chief  speaker. 

They  informed  the  Governor  and  Council,  that  deputies 
were  on  the  point  of  leaving  Onondaga,  to  treat  with  the 
French  Governor  of  Canada,  who  had  made  them  many  fine 
promises.  Upon  which  the  board  expressed  great  surprise, 
and  forthwith  proposed  to  send  a  messenger  post  to  Onon- 
daga, to  prevent  them  from  going.  Whereupon,  John  Bap- 
tist Van  Epr,  was  ordered  to  make  all  possible  haste  to  On- 
ondaga, charging  said  messengers  not  to  depart,  or  if  possi- 
bly they  had  gone,  that  they  should  be  brought  back  :  desir- 


ing that  a  gt 
Nations  shoul 
and  other  gen 
out  Avith  John 
chiefs  at  Onoi 

On  the  21  si 
to  Albany  M-it 
overtui'cs  of  t 
of  prisoners. 
for  tlic  sccurit 
iety  to  havo  tl 
Onondaga,  an 
and  their  desii 
to  them  to  spc 

U{)on  the  r 
r^chuylor  and 
Governor  and 
the  chiefs  of  t 
to  Canada  was 
Those  gentlcin 
to  dissuade  thi 
la'euk  up  their 
ancient  coventi 
protection ;  re 
to  do  Ihem  hai 

Baptist  and 
the  motions  of 
,,'oing  to  Canat 
i.ith  the  Fren( 
and  promising 
L'ovcrnment  w( 
means  to  prev( 

In  a  council 
.^lay,  at  whic 
Arnont  Viele, 
hannis  Bleekei 
The  Earl  of  1 


EARLY    HISTORY. 


287 


ing  that  a  general  council  of  all  the  sachems  of  the  Five 
Nations  should  be  held  at  Onondaga,  at  which  Col.  Schuyler 
and  other  gentlemen  would  attend.  Johannes  Glen,  was  sent 
out  with  John  baptist,  and  a  conference  was  held  with  the 
chiefs  at  Onondajja. 

On  the  21st  of  March,  1G99,  John  Baptist  was  dispatched 
to  Albany  with  a  message  from  tlio  Onondagas,  stating  the 
overtures  of  the  French,  and  their  promise  of  the  restoration 
of  prisoners.  In  this  they  expressed  the  desires  of  the  French 
for  the  security  of  peace,  and  Monsieur  Do  Marricour's  anx- 
iety to  have  the  ancient  councils  with  the  French  continued  at 
Onondaga,  and  to  break  off  with  the  Governor  of  New-York, 
and  their  desire  to  send  M.  De  Lamberville  and  Pere  Bruyas 
to  them  to  speak  of  peace. 

Upon  the  representations  of  John  Baptist,  Captain  John 
:>chuy]er  and  Captain  John  Bieeker,  were  dispatched  by  the 
Governor  and  Council,  with  all  possible  expedition,  to  inform 
the  chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations,  that  their  sending  messengers 
to  Canada  Avas  very  ill  received  by  the  Governor  of  New-York. 
Those  gentlemen  were  charged  to  use  all  possible  arguments 
to  dissuade  them  from  a  repetition  of  such  evil  practices ;  to 
break  up  their  correspondence  with  the  French  ;  to  revive  the 
ancient  covenant  chain,  and  renew  the  Governor's  promises  of 
protection  ;  reminding  them,  that  the  French  were  always  first 
to  do  ihem  harm. 

Baptist  and  Arnont  were  to  be  left  at  Onondaga  to  watch 
the  motions  of  the  Indians,  and  prevent  their  deputies  from 
,,'oing  to  Canada,  and  from  holding  any  sort  of  correspondence 
vith  the  French ;  persuading  them  to  go  to  Albany  as  usual, 
and  promising  them,  if  they  desired  to  be  made  Christians,  the 
government  would  provide  fit  persons  to  that  end,  and  by  all 
means  to  prevent  the  Jesuits  from  remaining  among  them. 

In  a  council,  held  at  Onondaga,  on  the  1st  and  2d  days  of 
May,  at  which  Averc  present  John  Baptist  Van  Eps,  and 
Arnont  Viele,  interpreters,  and  Johannis  Schuyler,  and  Jo- 
hannis  Bieeker,  with  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  Five  Nations. 
The  Earl  of  Belomont's  instructions  were  submitted  for  the 


i      -  Ja:!! 


:iir  ^n 


-..JlL^' 


288 


ONONDAGA. 


consideration  of  the  Five  Nations,  which  were  treated  with 
great  decorum  and  respect,  while  the  belts  of  the  Governor 
of  Canada  were  received  Avith  contempt  by  the  Indian  depu- 
ties, who  kicked  them  about  with  every  demonstration  of  in- 
dignity, declaring  they  would  hold  no  correspondence  Avith 
the  French.  Dekanissora  took  the  lead  in  this  council  on  the 
part  of  the  Five  Nations,  who  at  this  time  expressed  great 
anxiety  about  the  Christian  religion  being  introduced  among 
them,  inasmuch  as  Jesuits  had  been  prohibited  from  being  ad- 
mitted into  tlieir  country.  Tliey  ask  that  assistance  may  be 
granted  them  against  the  French  and  western  Indians,  and 
gave  assurances  that  they  would  hereafter  hold  the  great  coun- 
cils at  Albany,  and  that  one  should  be  'ndd  at  that  place  at 
the  expiration  of  fourteen  d;iys.  They  demand  that  goods 
shall  be  made  cheaper  to  them,  and  that  they  shall  be  more  lib- 
erally supplied  witli  powder  and  lead. 

At  the  close  of  this  council,  which  lasted  several  days,  John 
Baptist  Van  Eps  was  sent  to  Albany,  as  bearer  of  dispatchcti, 
and  upon  his  presenting  the  demands  of  the  Indian  nations  to 
the  Governor  and  (Jouncil,  they  were  acceded  to  and  ap- 
proved. Upon  this  Islr.  Robert  Livnigston,  Secretary  of  In- 
dian Affairs,  was  dispatched  to  Onondaga,  and  raakes  the  fol- 
lowing report  and  observations  of  his  voyage  in  April,  1700, 
for  the  consideration  of  the  Earl  of  Belomont,  of  which  we 
here  give  the  substance  : — 

Many  of  the  Maquas  moved  to  Canada,  thereby  very  much 
lessening  the  numbers  of  that  nation,  more  than  two-thirds 
of  whom  had  removed.  These  Avere  clothed  and  maintained 
by  the  French,  Avho  took  particular  pains  to  have  them  in- 
structed by  their  missionaries,  in  the  Roman  Catholic  faith. 
He  attributes  the  cause  of  removal  to  tAvo  sources.  First, 
fear, — seeing  the  French  so  formidable  as  to  be  able  to  sub- 
due them,  and  the  English  not  able  to  render  any  protection. 
Second,  neglect, — by  not  sending  missionaries  among  thcni. 
He  recommends  that  the  Maquas  should  come  nearer  to  Al- 
bany, and  that  a  stockade  fort  should  be  built,  and  have  a 
minister  to  instruct  them,  and  provision  made  for  him,  Avith 


servants,  tha 
seven  or  eigh 

He  recomr 
grant  it  to  th 
dians,  that  oi 

That  the  ( 
remove  neare 
ing  attacked 
miles  nearer 

The  Onont 
them,  and  avc 
once  settled  ; 
in  converting 
redound  not  < 
would  keep  tl 
to  Canada,  ai 
have  got  of  la 
of  those  in  the 

He  thinks 
to  the  Englis 
the  passes  to 
the  mouth  of 
Oneidas'  Rive 
Five  Nations 
be  a  key  to  t 

He  recomii 
ti'oit,)  anothe 
Howatoa,''  (I 
risons  to  be  1* 
sliould  be  gai 
employed  in  I 
itrms  should  1 
ven  to  the  ch 
cannon,  bate 
each  carrying; 
Cadaraqui  wa 
drcAT  many  o 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


289' 


servants,  that  he  may  keep  a  horse  and  caw,  and  be  withia 
seven  or  eight  hours  ride  of  Schenectady. 

He  recommends  that  the  king  should  purchase  land  and 
grant  it  to  those  nations,  to  be  located  so  near  the  praying  In- 
dians, that  one  minister  might  serve  for  both. 

That  the  Oneidas  and  Onondagas  should  be  persuaded  ta 
remove  nearer  to  Albany,  on  the  river,  out  of  the  way  of  be- 
ing attacked  by  the  French.  The  Onondagas  to  come  twelve- 
miles  nearer  Oneida,  on  the  same  account. 

The  Onondagas  are  much  inclined  to  have  a  minister  among 
them,  and  were  willing  to  maintain  him.  If  ministers  were 
once  settled  among  them,  it  would  not  only  be  a  pious  work 
in  converting  them  to  the  Christian  faith,  which  honor  would 
redound  not  only  to  His  Majesty  and  the  English  nation,  but 
would  keep  those  firm  to  us,  draw  the  rest  home,  who  are  gone 
to  Canada,  and  prevent  "  that  diabolical  practice  ivliieh  they 
have  got  of  late,  in  poisoning  one  another,  by  tohich^neans  most 
of  those  in  the  English  interest  are  dispatched  out  of  the  way." 

He  thinks  it  impossible  to  keep  and  secure  the  Five  Nations 
to  the  English  interest,  without  building  forts,  and  securing 
the  passes  to  their  country.  A  strong  fort  should  be  built  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Onondagas'  River,  where  it  intersects  the 
Oneidas'  River.  This  being  well  fortified,  would  secure  all  the 
Five  Nations  from  the  inroads  of  the  I^'rench,  by  water,  and 
lie  a  key  to  the  Indian  country. 

He  recommends  the  building  of  forts  at  ^^ Iktroett,'.'  (De- 
troit,) another  between  "  Sweege,''  (Ontario)  Lake,  and  "  0. 
Howawa,"  (Huron)  Lake,  and  other  forts  westerly,  and  gar- 
risons to  be  kept  in  them.  That  the  fort  at  Onondaga  River, 
should  be  garrisoned  with  one  hundred  youths,  partly  to  be 
employed  in  boating  and  carrying  provisions.  That  the  king's 
arms  should  be  put  up  at  all  the  castletS,  and  silver  badges  gi- 
ven to  the  chiefs  to  wear  about  their  necks.  Magazines  of 
cannon,  bateaux,  clothing,  provisions,  &c.,  should  be  kept  at 
each  carrying  place.  He  made  complaint  that  the  fort  at 
Cadaraqui  was  not  destroyed,  and  that  the  French,  by  threats, 
drew  many  of  tlie  Indians  away  fiom  their  allegiance,  who. 


t« 


290 


ONONDAGA. 


would  otliovwise  be  serviceable  to  the  English  in  vrar.  That 
the  Governor  of  Canada  threatens  to  erect  forts  in  the  coun- 
try of  the  Five  Nations,  one  at  Onyagara,  (Niagara,)  another 
at  Irondequot,  a  tliird  at  Kaneenda,  (near  Fort  Brewerton,) 
a  fourth  at  Kahioghage,  (Sackctt's  Harbor,)  a  fifth  at  Ojcen- 
rudde,  on  a  branch  of  tlie  Mohawk  River,  three  days  jour- 
ney from  a  village  of  the  Mohawks,  called  Dekanage.  That 
the  French  are  continually  circulating  reports,  that  the  Eng- 
lish design  to  destroy  the  Indians  by  depriving  them  of  pow- 
der and  lead.  That  the  English  government  would  not  clothe 
them,  which  reports  were  proved  to  be  false. 

The  Mohawks  earnestly  desire,  that  a  minister  maybe  sent 
among  them,  and  wonder  why  the  English  cannot  do  so  as 
well  as  the  French.  On  the  2otli  of  April,  1700,  Col.  Schuy- 
ler, j\Ir.  Jjivingston  and  Mr.  Ilanse,  held  a  council  at  Kacli- 
nawaacharcgo,  a  fishing  place  eight  miles  north  of  Onondaga^ 
at  which  tlireo  Onondaga  sachems  were  present,  who  said, 
the  Governor  of  Canada,  had  charged  them  not  to  hearken 
to  Corlear  ;  for,  if  they  did  so,  he  Avould  take  them  off  by  poi- 
son ;  that  Pero  Bruyas,  threatens  tlie  English  with  war,  uidess 
they  consent  to  the  admission  of  priests  among  them.  The 
commiHsioners  thence  proceeded  to  the  Onondaga  Castle,  ami 
examined  s?\'eral  Indians,  who  confirmed  the  tidings  of  the 
chiefs  below,  of  the  acts  of  the  French.  The  Five  Nations 
again  desire  iho  English,  to  erect  forts  in  their  country. 

Th«  Earl  of  Belomont,  tlirough  the  commissioners,  proposes 
to  meet  tin;  Five  Nations,  in  council  at  Albany.  Strenuous 
efibrts  are  made,  to  secure  the  favor  of  the  Five  Nations,  with 
assurances,  that  they  may  rely  on  the  King's  protection  ;  sta- 
ting, that  th'-'V  were  in  daily  expectation  of  liaving  the  King's 
commands  fo.-  building  a  fort  in  their  country,  and  for  send- 
ing Protestant  ministei-s  among  them,  to  give  them  instruc- 
tion in  the  Christian  religion.  The  commissioners  are  op- 
posed to  their  holding  correspondence  with  the  French,  and 
recommend,  that  their  dwellings  should  be  compact,  and  near 
together,  for  greater  security. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1700,  five  hundred  pounds  were  paid 


IS 


to  Mr.  Cham 
wards  buildir 
ence  money  ^ 
April,  to  the 
Majesty's  shi 
(juantities  of 
the  value  of 
Nations.  Tl 
dians,  create 

Dekannissi 
council,  and 
complaint  to 
had  killed  m 
they  would  n 
Five  Nations 

The  affecti 
the  English ; 
with  presents 
resolved,  to  1 
tre  of  the  Fi\ 
to  send  one." 

"  It  is  the 
are  baptized 
our  people  t^ 
that  they  ma 
gion,  as  oftei 
through  the 
them  ministei 
go,  unless  fori 
ordered  a  for 
pense,  and  wi 
out  a  suitable 
Schenectady 
proposes  to  h; 
guage,  and  g 
poses,  that  tl 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


291 


to  Mr.  Champete,  to  be  remitted  to  the  Earl  of  Belomont,  to- 
wards building  a  sod  fort  in  the  Onondaga  country.  Subsist- 
ence money  was  paid  him  for  the  soldiers,  from  the  24th  of 
April,  to  the  19th  instant.  These  were  shipped  on  board  His 
Majesty's  ship,  Adair,  with  four  hundred  light  fusils,  suitable 
(quantities  of  lead  and  powder,  clothing,  and  other  valuables,  to 
the  value  of  eight  hundred  pounds,  for  presents  for  the  Five 
Nations.  This  was  done  to  remove  the  jealousies  of  the  In- 
dians, created  by  the  French. 

Dekannissora  Avas  the  leader  of  the  Five  Nations  in  this 
council,  and  through  him,  on  the  30th  of  June,  they  make 
complaint  to  Corlcar  and  Quider,  that  the  western  Indians, 
had  killed  many  of  their  men,  and  the  French  had  declared, 
they  would  not  take  the  hatchet  from  their  hands,  unless  the 
Five  Nations  Avould  submit  to  the  French. 

The  affections  of  the  chiefs  were  in  a  degree  alienated  from 
the  English ;  they  often  visited  the  French,  who  loaded  them 
with  presents.  Said  the  chief  speaker  :  "  All  of  us  here,  are 
resolved,  to  have  a  Protestant  minister  at  Onondaga,  the  cen- 
tre of  the  Five  Nations,  as  soon  as  your  Lordship  shall  please 
to  send  one." 

"  It  is  the  custom  of  the  French,  to  feed  and  clothe,  all  that 
are  baptized  into  the  church.  This  is  a  great  inducement  for 
our  people  to  become  Papists.  Our  people  express  a  wish, 
that  they  may  be  instructed  in  the  Protestant  Christian  reli- 
gion, as  often  as  they  visit  Albany."  The  Earl  :snggcsted, 
through  the  commissioners,  that  he  was  in  favor  of  sending 
them  ministers,  forthwith;  but,  that  they  were  unwillin-^  to 
go,  unless  forts  were  first  erected  for  their  security.  We  have 
ordered  a  fort  to  be  built,  and  a  tax  levied,  to  defray  the  ex- 
pense, and  will  immediately  send  the  King's  engineer,  to  look 
out  a  .suitable  site.  The  Indians  arc  told,  that  Albany  and 
Schenectady  shall  be  fortified,  and  that  the  Earl  of  Belomont 
proposes  to  have  Rev.  Mr.  Lidius,  of  Albany,  learn  their  lan- 
guage, and  get  the  Bible  translated  for  their  use ;  and  pro- 
poses, that  they  should  send  two  or  three  of  the  sons  of  the 


1' 


.n  I 

h 


f''  ''m 


ii 


JM 


292 


ONONDAGA. 


Bachems  of  each  nation,  to  New- York,  to  be  educated  at  the 
King's  charge. 

On  the  26th  of  August,  1700,  the  council  was  reconvened 
at  Albany,  agreeable  to  arrangement.  In  a  speech  of  some 
length,  the  Earl  of  Belomont  reassures  the  five  nations,  of  the 
King's  protection ;  laments,  that  the  French  Jesuits  are  so 
successful  in  making  them  believe  the  English  design  to  de- 
stroy them.  He  informs  them,  that  he  has  sent  for  ministers, 
to  instruct  them  ;  and,  in  the  mean  time,  has  settled  Mr.  Vree- 
man  at  Schenectady,  who  will  learn  their  language  in  one 
year,  and  then  be  able  to  teach  them  in  their  own  tongue. 
He  promises  them  another  minister  before  winter,  and  hopes 
they  will  learn  the  difference  between  the  Protestant  and  Ro- 
man Catholic  religions ;  advises  them  to  use  all  means  to  draw 
those  Indians  the  French  have  seduced,  back  to  their  own 
country. 

On  the  2d  of  August,  eleven  Mohawks,  six  Oneidas,  eleven 
Onondagas,  eleven  Cayugas,  eleven  Senecas,  and  fifty  war- 
riors, were  present. 

Sadekanaghtie,  the  chief  speaker,  replied,  that  they  came 
hither,  by  his  Lordship's  order ;  that  they  will  discredit  the 
idle  tales  of  the  French,  and  are  resolved,  to  continue  firm  to 
the  crown  of  England,  if  it  will  protect  them  from  their  ene- 
mies ;  that  they  were  thankful  for  the  promise  of  Protestant 
ministers. 

"The  French  also  promise  us,  Jesuits,  through  Fathers 
Maricour  and  J.  Bruyas  ;  but,  we  are  determined  to  stick  to 
the  religion  of  the  King." 

The  Indians  agree  to  furnish  two  hundred  men,  to  work  at 
the  fort,  for  the  same  pay  as  the  English,  and  the  fort  to  be 
completed  within  three  months ;  and,  that  they  will  seize  all 
Jesuits,  and  send  them  prisoners  to  Albany,  for  which  they 
shall  receive  a  hundred  pieces  of  eight,  for  every  Jesuit. 

The  Earl  remarked  to  them,  "  We  have  a  law  for  seizing 
and  securing  all  Popish  priests  and  Jesuits ;  and  I  would 
gladly  put  that  law  in  execution  against  these  disturbers  of 
mankind." 


In  answer 
fore  him,  an 

His  Lords 
be  large  en( 
hundred  En^ 
be  added,  an 

The  India 
to  assist  in  b 

"  As  to  yc 
"  that  is  a  si 
women  entin 

Colonel  R 
country,  and 
gas  were  cho 
ration.  Whi 
nish  provisioi 
fish.  On  thi 
ing  list  of  f 
hundred  weig 
of  lead,  two 
dred  knives, 
Ions  each,  si 
bacco,  &c. 

31st  of  A 
steadfast  in  tl 
religion,  and 

"  God  hatl 
shined  long  i 
and  union  to^ 
taught  to  be  , 
Let  us  theref 
were  liere  bei 
v.hen  you  wei 
and  cherished 
to  you,  if  yoi 
that  matters  ; 
may  not  be  tt 


EARLY  HISTORY 


fl98 


In  answer,  they  promise  to  seize  them,  and  bring  them  be- 
fore him,  and  prohibit  their  coming  into  the  Indian  country. 

His  Lordship  tohl  them,  that  the  fort  at  Onondaga,  should 
be  large  enough  to  receive  two  hundred  men ;  always,  one 
hundred  English,  and  in  case  of  war,  a  hundred  Indians  should 
be  added,  and  cannon  should  be  forwarded  for  defense. 

The  Indians  agreed  to  send  twelve  men  from  each  nation, 
to  assist  in  building  the  fort  at  Onondaga. 

"As  to  your  oifcr  to  educate  our  children,"  said  the  chief, 
"  that  is  a  subject,  not  under  our  control ;  it  belongs  to  the 
women  entirely." 

Colonel  Romer  was  selected  as  the  engineer  to  explore  the 
country,  and  fix  the  site  for  a  fort,  and  four  young  Ononda- 
gas  were  chosen  to  accompany  him  on  his  journey  of  explo- 
ration. While  engaged  in  building,  the  Indians  were  to  fur- 
nish provisions  for  the  workmen,  of  corn,  venison,  pigeons  and 
fish.  On  this  occasion,  the  earl  gave  the  sachems,  the  follow- 
ing list  of  presents,  viz.  :  two  hundred  bags  of  balls  of  one 
hundred  weight  each,  two  hundred  fusees,  two  hundred  pounds 
of  lead,  two  thousand  flints,  one  hundred  hatchets,  two  hun- 
dred knives,  two  hundred  shirts,  forty  kegs  of  rum,  two  gal- 
lons each,  sixty-three  hats,  three  barrels  of  pipes,  with  to- 
bacco, &c. 

Slst  of  August,  Sadekanaghtie  answers,  that  they  will  be 
steadfiist  in  their  resolution,  to  be  instructed  in  the  Protestant 
religion,  and  declares  it  in  the  following  words : 

"  God  hath  been  pleased  to  create  us,  and  the  sun  hath 
shined  long  upon  us.  We  have  lived  many  years  in  peace 
and  union  together,  and  we  hope  by  your  instructions  to  be 
taught  to  be  good  Christians,  and  to  die  in  the  Christian  faith. 
Let  us  therefore  go  hand  in  hand  and  support  each  other.  We 
were  here  before  you,  and  were  a  strong  and  numerous  people 
when  you  were  but  young  and  striplings.  Yet  we  were  kind 
and  cherished  you,  and  therefore,  when  we  propose  any  thing 
to  you,  if  you  cannot  agree  to  it,  let  us  take  council  together, 
that  matters  may  be  carried  on  smooth,  and  that  what  we  say 
may  not  be  taken  amiss.     When  we  are  to  be  instructed  in  the 


li  \m 


294 


ONONDAGA. 


Protestant  religion,  pray  let  not  such  severity  be  used  as  the 
Jesuits  do  in  Canada,  who  whip  their  proselytes  with  an  iron 
chain ;  cut  oft"  the  warriors  hair ;  put  them  in  prison,  and 
when  the  men  commit  any  heinous  sin,  the  priest  takes  his  op- 
portunity when  they  are  asleep,  and  beats  them  severely. 
Now  as  a  token  of  our  Avillingness  to  be  instructed  in  the 
Protestant  religion,  we  give  nine  beaver  skins."  The  Indians 
stipulate  for  free  trade  of  the  French  at  Albany,  and  desire 
that  a  smith  may  be  sent  among  them  at  the  same  time  with 
the  minister  to  Onondaga  ;  state  that  Pere  J.  Bruyas  wished  to 
come  among  them  as  a  physician  and  surgeon,  but  his  request 
had  been  refused.  Sadekanaghtie  returned  thanks  for  the 
presents  and  for  the  attention  the  delegates  received,  and  the 
council  adjourned. 

The  following  are  the  instructions  of  Lord  Belomont  to  Col. 
Romer,  Ilis  Majesty's  chief  engineer  in  America,  with  respect 
to  locatinc  the  fort  at  Onondaga. 

"  First,  you  are  to  proceed  with  all  possible  dispatch  to  the 
Onondagas'  country,  where  you  are  to  find  out  the  best  place 
for  erecting  a  fort  for  the  defense  and  security  of  that  nation 
and  the  other  nations,  if  it  may  be  so,  taking  in  your  way 
thither,  visiting  the  Mohawk  and  Oneida  Indians. 

Second,  you  are  to  proceed  on  to  the  Oayugas' nation,  after 
you  have  well  viewed  and  visited  the  Onondagas' country,  and 
from  thence  to  the  Seneca  nation. 

Third,  you  are  to  observe  the  country  exactly  as  you  go 
and  come,  with  the  lakes,  rivers,  woods,  plains  and  hills,  that 
you  may  make  a  report  thereof  to  me,  and  that  a  map  may 
be  made  thereof,  tc  be  laid  before  His  IMajesty;  and  you  are 
to  take  a  particular  view  of  the  carrying  places,  and  to  report 
unto  me  your  opinion,  how  much  they  may  be  shortened  by 
clearing  and  making  the  creeks  navigable  for  boats  and  ca- 
noes. 

Fourth,  you  are  to  inquire  out  and  view  the  salt  spring. 
which  is  said  to  bo  in  the  Onondagas'  country,  and  to  taste 
the  water,  and  to  give  mc  your  opinion  thereon.  You  are  to 
inform  yourself  about  the  salmon  fishing,  which  is  so  much 


spoken  of,  ant 
that  country- 
the  inhabitant 

Fifth,  you 
eight  miles  be 
told  me,  blaze 
into  it. 

Sixth,  you 
as  you  can,  bj 
protection,  an 
power  to  then 
vince  shall  be 
that  they  neet 

You  Avill  do 
they  continue 
pondence  with 
priests  and  Jc 
are  carefully  I 
vice. 

Given  undc 
tembor,  A.  T>. 

Col.  Romer 
until  he  came 
build  a  fort, 
the  ledge  calk 
that  the  prope 

He  fulfiled 
returned  in  du 

From  this  ti 
ered  as  entirel 
English.  Eai 
of  New-York 
every  popish  f 
This  was  prov 
who  Avere  cont 

*  See  Loudon  '. 


EARLY   HISTORY 


29,' 


spoken  of,  and  also  about  other  fish  in  the  lakca  iind  rivers  in 
that  country — wiiat  sorts  of  fish — wliat  i)lenty — wiiat  ways 
tho  inhabitants  have  to  take  tlio  fish. 

Fifth,  you  are  to  go  and  view  a  well  or  spring,  which  is 
eiglit  miles  beyond  the  Senecas  further  castle,  which  they  have 
told  me,  blazes  up  into  a  flame  when  a  lighted  coal  is  put 
into  it. 

Sixth,  you  are  to  encourage  all  the  Indian  nations  as  much 
as  you  can,  by  assuring  them  of  the  king's  care  of  tliem,  and 
protection,  and  you  are  to  magnify  the  king's  greatness  and 
power  to  them,  and  assure  them  that  the  frontier  of  this  pro- 
vince shall  be  Avell  fortified  and  secured  in  a  short  time,  so 
that  they  need  not  to  fear  the  French  of  Canada. 

You  will  do  well  to  assure  them  of  my  kindness,  provided 
they  continue  faithful  to  the  king,  and  keep  no  sort  of  corres- 
pondence with  the  French  in  Canada,  nor  receive  any  of  the 
priests  and  Jesuits  among  them.  All  which  instructions  you 
are  carefully  to  observe  and  perform  for  His  iNIajesty's  ser- 
vice. 

Given  under  my  hand,  at  Albany,  the  third  day  of  Sep- 
tember, A.  D.  1700,  and  in  the  12th  of  His  Majesty's  reign."* 

(Signed)  "BELOMONT." 

Col.  Romer  explored  the  Onondagas' country,  passed  down 
until  he  came  to  the  Oneida  liiver,  but  found  no  fit  place  to 
build  a  fort.  They  passed  on  to  a  place  called  Quichook,  near 
the  ledge  called  Kagnewagrage,  (near  Oswego,)  and  reported 
that  the  proper  place  for  a  fort  should  ])e  in  that  region. 

He  fulfiled  his  instructions  in  visiting  other  localities,  and 
returned  in  due  time  to  Albany. 

From  this  time  forward,  the  Five  Nations  may  be  consid- 
ered as  entirely  wedded  and  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the 
English.  Early  in  1700,  the  Earl  Belomont  and  assembly 
of  New- York  had  passed  a  law,  (severe  indeed,)  for  hanging 
every  popish  priest,  who  voluntarily  came  into  the  province. 
This  was  provoked  by  the  great  number  of  French  Jesuits, 
who  were  continually  tampering  with  the  Indians. 

*  See  London  Documents,  vol.  13,  p.  430. 


296 


ONONDAGA. 


In  1701,  tho  King  of  England  gave  five  hundred  pounds, 
for  erecting  a  fort  in  the  country  of  the  Onondagas,  and  eight, 
hundred  pounds  to  bo  laid  out  in  presents  to  the  Indians.  In 
return,  tho  Indians  conveyed  a  large  tract  of  tho  Mohawk 
country  to  tho  English,  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  submit- 
ting to  the  French,  in  case  of  war.  The  government  of  New- 
York,  was  not  insensible  of  the  importance  of  the  Indian  in- 
terest, and  of  the  infinite  acts  of  the  French  to  seduce  theui 
from  their  English  alliance.  The  propriety  of  making  suitable 
presents  to  the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Five  Nations,  was 
strongly  recommended  ;  a  list  made  out  of  wliat  the  articles 
should  consist,  together  with  an  estimate  of  tho  charge. 
Funds  were  soon  raised,  and  the  presents  purchased  and  dis- 
tributed. 

In  1709,  an  expedition  by  the  American  colonies,  was  pro- 
jected against  Canada.  The  Indians  of  the  Five  Nations 
were  engaged,  through  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  Col. 
Schuyler,  to  join  heartily  in  the  attempt.  To  preserve  the 
friendship  of  the  Five  Nations,  without  which,  it  would  have 
been  impossible  to  prevent  the  western  frontiers  from  becom- 
ing deluged  in  blood,  he  studied  all  tho  arts  of  insinuating 
himself  into  their  favor.  He  gave  them  all  possible  encourage- 
ment and  assistance,  and  very  much  impaired  his  own  fortune 
by  his  liberality  to  their  chiefs.  They  never  came  to  Albany 
but  they  resorted  to  his  house,  and  often  dined  at  his  table. 
By  these  means  he  obtained  an  ascendency  over  them,  which 
was  attended  with  advantageous  consequences  to  the  colonies, 
for  he  could  in  a  great  degree,  obviate  or  eradicate  the  preju- 
dices and  jealousies,  by  which  the  French  Jesuits  were  inces- 
santly laboring  to  debauch  their  fidelity.  As  a  further  means 
of  securing  their  cooperation,  Col.  Schuyler,  at  his  own  pri- 
vate expense,  visited  England,  accompanied  by  five  principal 
chiefs  of  the  Iroquois,  to  pay  their  respects  to  the  Queen,  Anne, 
who  had  all  along  taken  a  lively  interest  in  the  afi'airs  of  these 
people.  The  arrival  of  the  five  sachems,  created  a  great  sen- 
sation throughout  the  kingdom.  Splendid  garments  were 
prepared  for  them,  and  great  parade  and  solemnity  attended 


the  audience  tli 
ted  in  splendid 
Chamberlain,  v 
royal  presence, 
the  19th  of  A I 

The  attempt 
The  French  a 
New  England  ' 
at  this  period, 
their  Indians,  ■ 
for  the  peace  o 
land  with  Col 
mended  tho  re 
reduction  of  C 
the  northern  C( 
apprised  of  thi 
General,  sent  ( 
the  works  he 
possible,  and 
should  be  in  r 
The  western  Ii 
Messrs.  St.  P 
took  up  the  lu 

But  the  trca 
settled  definiti\ 
ish  crown  bee 
cerned,  to  the 
Nations. 

There  being 
and  English,  t 
ward  and  resii 
the  Flat-Head 
ties  they  rctui 
who  came  off  ; 

The  death  oi 
greatly  aft'ecte 
been  to  them,  j 


EARLY   HISTORY, 


297 


the  audionco  they  had  of  Iler  Majesty.  They  were  conduc- 
ted in  spknidid  (ioachos  to  St.  James'  pahice,  and  the  Lord 
Chamberliiin,  with  much  ceremony,  introduced  them  into  the 
royal  presence.  Their  speech  on  this  occasion  was  made  on 
the  19th  of  April,  1710,  and  is  preserved. 

The  attempt  to  make  attacks  upon  Canada  proved  abortive. 
The  Frcncli  and  Indians  ravaged  the  northern  frontier  of 
New  England  with  impunity.  A  treaty  of  neutrality  existed 
at  this  period,  between  the  confederates,  and  the  French  and 
their  Indians,  whicli  was  the  only  security  the  colonists  had 
for  the  peace  of  their  frontier.  The  chiefs  who  went  to  Eng- 
land with  Col.  Schuyler,  having  returned,  strongly  recom- 
mended the  renewal  and  prosecution  of  the  scheme  for  the 
reduction  of  Canada,  as  the  only  effectual  means  of  securing 
the  northern  colonies.  The  French  in  Canada,  were  not  un- 
apprised of  these  designs.  Mons.  Vaudreuil,  the  Governor 
General,  sent  orders  to  the  Sieur  De  Beaucourt,  to  complete 
the  works  he  was  engaged  upon  at  Quebec,  as  speedily  as 
possible,  and  commanded  that  all  the  regulars  and  militia 
should  be  in  readiness  for  a  march,  at  a  moment's  warning. 
The  western  Indians  arrived  at  Montreal,  at  this  time,  under 
Messrs.  St.  Pierre  and  Tonti,  who  with  the  Caughnuagas, 
took  up  the  hatchet  in  favor  of  the  French. 

But  the  treaty  of  Utrecht,  concluded  81st  of  March,  1713, 
settled  definitively  the  Avhole  m-itter.  By  this  treaty,  the  Brit- 
ish crown  became  entitled,  so  far  as  the  French  Avere  con- 
cerned, to  the  entire  sovereignty  to  the  country  of  the  Five 
Nations. 

There  being  now  a  prospect  of  peace  between  the  French 
and  English,  the  Five  Nations  turned  their  attention  south- 
ward and  resumed  hostilities  against  their  ancient  enemies, 
the  Flat-Heads,  living  in  Carolina,  and  after  a  scries  of  bat- 
tles they  returned,  and  soon  after  adopted  the  Tuscaroras, 
who  came  off  from  that  country  a  vanquished  people. 

The  death  of  Queen  Ann,  in  1714,  was  a  circumstance  which 
greatly  affected  the  chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations.  She  had  long 
been  to  them,  as  a  mother  to  her  children,  and  the  many  instan- 

38 


|i 


if 


i 

1  it! 


I 


!:'# 


'     H 


298 


ONONDAGA, 


ces  of  her  kiiulnoss  and  jifTcction  towiirda  those  sons  of  tlip 
forest,  wore  long  lioM  in  lively  ronien»l>rance. 

In  behalf  of  the  Five  Nations,  at  a  council  hold  at  Albany, 
•list  Aiiiijii.st,  17ir>,  Dt'kaiiissora  coiif^ratulatod  the  Governor 
on  tho  aoci'sjiion  of  Cieor;,'o  I.  to  tho  throne,  and  renewed  with 
Xroiit  pomp  ;ind  Holniinity  the  aneicnt  covenant  eliai!!  of  the 
Five  NutiiMis,  promising  the  Hanio  should  he  kept  invi'iliihle. 
desiring  nn  uninterrupted  course  of  prosperity  and  peace.  The 
Five  Nations  were  solicited  to  use  their  iniluenee  in  restoring' 
peace  between  the  Catawbas  and  tho  colony  of  Carolina,  wh(» 
had  been  at  uar. 

A  proposition  was  made  by  the  Five  Nations,  2d  of  Sep- 
tember, 17 IT),  at  a  council  held  at  Albany,  at  which  was  pre- 
sent iviilian  Van  Rensselaer,  Teter  .Matthews,  Jojin  Cuyler, 
llendrick  ILinson,  Teter  Van  iJrugh,  and  several  sachems  of 
the  Five  Nations,  witli  Dekanissora  at  their  head. 

Here  tlie  liead  chiefs  engaged  to  renew  the  war  with  the 
southern  Indians,  should  tliey  persist  in  continuing  hostilities 
against  the  whites,  and  to  ratify  the  matter,  desired  an  appro- 
priation of  arms  and  ammunilion  to  be  made  at  once,  that 
they  might  Itc  in  readiness,  whenever  called  upon,  to  march 
in  a  body,  and  not  in  detached  parties,  and  destroy  them  at 
once. 

The  connnissioners  in  due  time  returned  the  answer  of  the 
Governor,  stating  that  arms  and  ammunition  were  i-endv  for 
them,  bat  were  not  to  be  delivered  till  such  time  as  it  beeume  ne- 
cessary for  their  warriors  to  depart.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Five 
Nations  sent  eight  ambassadors  to  tlie  southern  Indians  to 
treat  of  peace,  and  had  during  the  past  year  made  a  success- 
ful attack  u])on  the  southern  rebel  Indians,  and  returned  with 
some  scalps  and  prisoners. 

Governor  JTunter  assures  the  chiefs  of  the  Five  Nations,  in 
council  assembled,  ISth  June,  HIT,  of  tlie  good  will  of  his 
master,  the  king  ;  rencAvs  the  league  of  friendship,  and  allays 
their  apprehensions  about  evil  designs  of  the  English  towards 
them. 

In  this  reply,  is  a  curious  appeal  to  the  superstitions  of  an 


inconstant  peof 
introduction  of 
•.'DCS  on  to  say, 
ly  the  small  po 
allies.     But  wo 
iif  that  kind,  as 
an  breaking  of 
ries,  and  tho  lik 
wo  have  a  like  i 
there  is  not  one 
and  at  present  i 
Jerseys,  and  wc 
the  practieo  of 

fn  tho  same  c 
tir,  that  the  Fr 
i]uat,  in  tho  co 
Mipply  the  Inili 
asrninst  tho  sout 
which  stops  nuv 
country. 

In  1720,  Wil 
t-rnraent  of  tho 
necessity  of  cul 
the  Five  Natio 
secure  tho  com 
friondship  of  tl 
French,  in  conf 
ahing  the  sea  cc 
Mana.  With  t; 
trading  house  a 
vision  t''  bo  ma( 
the  Senecas  an 
from  the  Frenc 

This  year,  a 
I'onunissioners, 
uiicient  friendsl 

Nothing  coul 


KAIILY   HISTORY, 


299 


inconstant  people.  They  Imd  previously  complained  of  the 
iiiti'oductiun  of  the  small  pox  ainoiij^  them,  ami  the  (xovernor 
;.'i)es  on  to  Hay,  "  I  am  sorry  for  the  loss  that  han  happened 
liy  the  small  pox  to  the  hrethren,  or  any  of  your  friends  or 
allies.  Hut  wo  Christians  look  upon  that  disease,  and  others 
,if  tliiit  kind,  as  punishments  for  our  misdeeds  and  sins,  such 
;iH  lireakinii;  of  covenants  ami  promises,  murders  and  rohbe- 
rics,  and  the  like.  Wliatever  sh;ire  we  have  had  in  these  sins, 
\v(>  have  a  like  share  in  the  punishment,  for  in  I'ennsylvania 
tliL're  is  not  one  {Christian  family  that  has  escaped  the  disease  ; 
ami  at  present  it  rages,  and  luis  the  last  twelve  months,  in  the 
iorspys,  and  we  firmly  believe  it  will,  sn  lonr^  as  wo  continue 
tlio  practice  of  these  sins,  our  plafjue  will  also  continue." 

fu  the  same  conference,  Dekanlssora  informs  Governor  Ilun- 
ti'f,  that  the  French  had  erected  a  tradinji;  house  at  lerondo- 
iiiiiit,  in  the  country  helonrriu-^  to  tiie  Senecas,  where  they 
supply  the  Indians  with  powder  and  lead,  to  pursue  the  war 
aiiJiinst  the  southern  Indians,  and  also  with  goods  ami  clothing, 
which  stops  much  of  the  peltry  coming  down  from  the  upper 
country. 

In  1720,  William  Burnet,  Esq.,  took  upon  himself  the  gov- 
rrnmcnt  of  the  Province  of  New-York.  He  early  foresaw  the 
iK'Cossity  of  cultivating  amicable  relations  with  the  cliiefs  of 
the  Five  Nations,  and  concluded  it  was  highly  necessary,  to 
secure  the  conunand  of  Lake  Ontario,  as  well  to  retain  the 
friondship  of  this  people,  as  to  frustrate  the  designs  of  the 
Froiich,  in  confining  the  English  colonics  to  narrow  limits, 
along  the  sea  coast,  by  a  chain  of  forts  from  Canada  to  Loui- 
<i;ma.  With  these  views,  he  commenced  the  erection  of  a 
tniiling  house  at  Oswego,  in  1722,  and  recommended  a  pro- 
vision t'  bo  made  for  the  residence  of  trusty  persons,  among 
the  Senecas  and  Onondagas,  to  keep  their  minds  alienated 
from  the  French. 

This  year,  a  convention  of  several  colonial  governors  and 
tommissiouers,  was  held  at  Albany,  upon  the  renewal  of  the 
uucient  friendship  with  the  Indians. 

Nothing  could  more  naturally  excite  the  jealousy  of  the 


•If  11 


800 


ONONDAGA. 


BXSI 


1 


^^r 


French,  than  the  erection  of  a  tradinpj  house  at  Oawc^o.  To 
secure  the  trade  of  the  west,  and  eountoruct  the  inlhienco  of  the 
English  ;  JJaron  l)e  Lonj^^ueil,  who  had  the  chief  command  in 
Canada,  visited  the  Ononihiga  canton  in  person,  for  leave  to 
erect  a  storehouse  at  Niagara,  and  by  false  representations  in- 
duced  them  to  consent.  But  the  other  Irocjuois  nations,  de- 
clared  this  act  of  the  Onondagas  void,  signifying  that  the 
country  in  which  the  French  were  at  work,  belonged  solely  to 
the  Seneeas,  and  reciuired  them  to  desist.  The  French  were 
regardless  of  the  rights  of  the  Senectas,  but  used  their  utmost 
exertiims  to  complete  their  work,  wliile  the  Jesuit  Joncaire,  ex- 
ercised all  his  address  among  the  Indians,  to  prevent  thera 
from  demolishing  wiiat  had  already  been  erected. 

Joncaire  was  a  man  much  esteemed  by  the  Senccas  and 
Onondagas,  by  the  fornier  of  whom  he  was  adopted. 

He  spoke  the  Indian,  as  Cliarlevoix  infoinis  us,  "  Avec  la 
plus  SHbli»u'  eloquence  Iroquoine,"  and  had  lived  with  them, 
from  the  year  1700. 

The  French  completed  their  works  at  Niagara,  and  Governor 
Burnet,  who  was  unable  to  accomplish  anything  else,  erected 
a  fort  at  Oswego,  1727.  This  necessary  undertaking,  was 
pregnant  with  the  most  important  conseciuences,  not  only  to 
this,  but  all  the  English  colonies  ;  and  what  renders  the  mat- 
ter abundantly  more  creditable  to  the  Governor,  he  built  the 
fort  almost  wholly  at  his  own  private  expense.  Mons.  Beaii- 
harnois,  the  Governor  of  Canada,  who  superceded  Longuiel,  was 
so  incensed  at  the  erection  of  a  fort  at  Oswego,  that  he  sent 
a  written  sunmions  to  the  officer  posted  there,  to  abandon  it. 
Not  only  so,  but  he  sent  Mons.  De  la  Chassaigne,  Governor 
of  Tiu-ee  llivers,  to  New-York,  with  the  strongest  remon- 
strances to  Governor  Jkruet,  upon  tliat  head.  Ilis  Excel- 
lency answered  the  French  Governor  very  }iolitely,  and  in  a 
determined  manner,  on  the  eighth  of  August,  in  which  he  re- 
futed the  arguments  of  the  Frencli  Governor,  and  remonstra- 
ted against  his  proceedings  at  Niagara. 

Colonel   John  Montgomery,  succeeded  Governor  Burnet, 
on  the  lath  of  April,  1728.     On  the  first  of  October  follow- 


KARl-V    HISTORY. 


801 


injj,  lie  hold  a  treaty  with  the  Six  Nations,  for  a  renewal  of 
the  ancient  covenant,  Avas  lavish  of  presents,  and  engaged 
tliciii  iti  the  deferiHe  of  Oswego,  Nothing  could  be  more  sea- 
sonable than  this  interview  ;  for  the  French,  who  eyed  that 
important  garrison,  and  our  increasing  trade  there,  with  the 
most  restless  jealousy,  prepared,  early  in  the  following  spring, 
to  diMnolish  the  works.  (lovernor  Burnet  gave  the  lirst  intcl- 
liircnce  of  tliis  design,  in  a  letter  to  Col.  Montgomery,  dated 
;it  Boston,  .'Hstof  jMiiTch,  1720;  whereupon,  the  garrison  was 
imiiKMliiitoly  rccnfoiH^ed,  whicli,  together  with  the  resolute  pro- 
fessions of  the  Indians  to  protect  the  fort,  induced  the  French 
[0  desist  from  the  projecte<l  invasion.  From  this  time  to  the 
your  llfA,  this  garrison  was  kept  ordy  by  a  lieutenant  and 
tffoiity-fivc  tnen. 

The  following  extract,  from  the  journal  of  Conrad  Weiser, 
nil  interpreter  among  the  united  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations, 
furnished  the  author  by  Henry  C.  Van  Schaack,  Esq.,  pos- 
soHSOs  something  of  consequence  to  this  work,  as  showing  the 
iiillucnce  of  the  Five  Nations,  the  interest  manifested  in  their 
proceedings,  and  the  importance  attached  to  their  opinions 
:iiid  policy  towards  the  French  and  English  at  that  early  day. 
It  thus  begins  : — 

"  Extract  from  the  subscriber's  journal,  taken  New- York, 
the  ir)th  July,  1745  :— 

11th  June  last  past,  set  out  from  Onontago  for  Oswego, 
accompanied  by  the  chief  of  the  nation,  and  about  one  hun- 
dred persons,  men,  women  and  children,  going  to  Canada  .t 
an  invitation  of  the  French  Governor. 

On  the  13th,  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we  arrived 
at  Oswego.  The  Indians  at  a  distance  saluted  the  fort,  with 
a  discharges  of  their  guns  a  second  time,  and  in  return  were 
answered  with  a  discharge  of  some  guns  from  the  fort.  Af- 
ter we  had  landed,  the  officers  of  the  fort  came  down  and  re- 
ceived us  kindly.  They  cordially  invited  me  to  the  fort,  and 
accordingly  I  went  with  them. 

Soon  after,  the  Onontagas,  with  others  of  the  Six  United 
Nations,  came  to  the  fort  to  visit  the  officers.     Thev  were 


i!:.li_Mii 


1;     "'% 


302 


ONONDAGA. 


severally  served  with  a  drara.  The  Black  Prince  soon  asked 
for  another  to  drink  the  king's  health,  which  was  freely  (riven 
and  afterwards  the  same  Indian,  at  a  second  visit,  asked  for  a 
third,  for  the  purpose  of  drinking  the  health  of  the  Governor 
of  New  York.  This  request  was  also  granted  them.  Wiiile 
they  sat  with  us  and  smoked  their  pipes,  they  asked  several 
questions  about  the  war  between  England  and  France  ;  com- 
plained that  their  brethren,  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  Af- 
fairs in  Albany,  had  never  told  them  the  truth  relative  to  tlio 
progress  of  the  war.  Sometimes  they  would  inform  them  of 
the  number  of  ships  the  English  had  taken  from  their  enemv 
but  never  a  word  of  the  loss  themselves  had  sustained.  When 
on  the  other  side,  the  French  would  always  tell  them  whether 
they  had  lost  or  gained,  and  would  never  hide  any  thine;  from 
the  Indians.  They  desired  to  know  every  thing  particularlv. 
and  as  they  were  now  on  their  way  to  Canada  for  the  puljlic 
good,  and  for  the  preservation  of  their  house  at  Osweco,  it 
was  expedient  they  should  be  informed.  They  gave  all  tlic 
assurance  tliat  could  be  expected  from  an  Indian  council,  that 
their  intent  was  good,  and  that  the  Governor  of  Canada  would 
never  prevail  upon  them  in  any  thing  hurtful  to  their  brethren, 
the  English,  who  they  knew  did  not  lila;  their  going  to  Cana- 
da, which  only  arose  from  a  distrust  of  the  motives  of  tlieir 
brethren  of  the  Six  United  Nations.  That  their  brother,  tlie 
Governor  of  New-York,  and  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  Af- 
fairs in  Alban3%  desired  thorn  to  stay  at  home  ;  ret  thcv  were 
resolved  to  go,  in  order  to  convince  their  brethren  that  their 
a,pprehen:-.ions  were  groundless.  They  said  furthei',  that  on 
their  return  from  Canada,  their  brother,  the  Governor  of 
New-York,  should  know  all  that  passed  between  them  and 
the  Governor  of  Canada,  which  they  positively  allirmed,  and 
pointed  with  their  fingers  towards  Heaven,  and  said,  that  God 
heard  them  now  speak,  who  would  certainly  punish  them  if 
they  told  any  lies  in  that  affair,  which  was  of  such  great  im- 
portance. After  they  had  done  speaking,  I  advised  that  the 
officers  might  go  into  a  room  by  themselves,  and  agree  upon 
an  answer,  Avhich  was  immediately  done.     The  Indians  Mere 


told  by  me,  wi 
"Brethren  of 
Canada,  hear 
months  agij,  lii 
English,  his  |)e 
borders  of  Ne^ 
women  and  c!ii 
French  carried 

of  St.   LaWi'fMK 

many  hundreds 
England  p^vjul 
the  hatahc!,  an 
that  town,  and 
them  to  assibt  J 
jiblc  make  th; 
great  King  Ge 
which  say  ti);it. 
great  guns  a.;rl 
to  be  mast -vs  < 
weeks.  But  Lti 
it  for  truth. 

As  to  tlio  tal 
from  the  Frenc 
ports  of  Bo.-toi 
of  tliem,  and  S( 
taken  from  n/,, 
ilom  hear  of  th 
commissioners  <. 
sometime  aftcrv 
was  no  more  lo( 
or  a  cow,  sin-'o 
according  to  tin 
got  the  better 
money,  which  -a 

As  for  their  ; 
thing  as  stoppir 

We  believed 


EARLV    11 1  STORY 


303 


told  by  mo,  v.-ith  the  approbation  of  the  officers,  as  follows  : 
'•  Brethren  of  the  United  Six  Nations,  now  on  your  Avay  to 
'■  Canada,  hear : — When  the  King  of  Franco,  about  twelve 
j  months  ai^o,  first  proclaimed  war  against  your  brethren,  the 
|:  I  English,  hiri  people  immediatoly  cut  off  a  little  town  upon  the 
borders  of  Now  England,  which  Avas  settled  with  ploughmen, 
ivomen  and  children,  who  knew  nothing  of  the  war,  and  the 
French  carried  off  some  prisoners  to  an  island,  near  the  mouth 
of  St.  Lawrence  River,  where  they  have  a  strong  town,  with 
many  hundroli  uf  soldiers,  besides  the  inhabitants.  The  New 
England  i)oo;)le,  therefore,  made  thcm:;;elves  ready  to  return 
the  hatahet,  and  went  with  an  array  of  their  people  to  take 
that  town,  and  some  of  the  great  king's  ships  of  war  went  with 
them  to  as:U:;f;  them  in  their  undertaking,  and  they  will  if  pos- 
sible make  tliat  town,  and  the  whole  island,  sihjoet  to  the 
great  King  George,  over  the  Avaters  ;  and  we  Iiave  had  letters 
which  say  tliit  your  brethren,  the  English,  have  taken  several 
;.a'eatguns  and  a  strong  fortification  already,  and  are  in  hopes 
to  be  masi,;rs  of  the  chief  town  and  whole  island  in  a  few 
weeks.  But  ihis  news  must  be  confirmed,  before  we  receive 
it  for  truth. 

As  to  tlio  taking  and  losing  of  ships,  Avhen  any  are  taken 
from  the  Erencli  in  North  America,  they  are  brought  into  the 
ports  of  Boston,  New-York  or  Piiiladelphia,  and  wo  soon  hear 
of  them,  and  :x'e  tliesn  with  our  eyes.  As  to  those  that  are 
taken  from  ui,  tliey  are  carried  into  Frencii  ports,  and  wo  sel- 
dom hear  of  thonxtill  after  a  twelve  montli,  iind  tiicrefore  the 
commissioners  could  not  give  a  certain  account  of  them,  till 
sometime  afterwards.  Besides,  the  taking  or  losing  of  a  ship 
was  no  more  looked  upon  than  to  hear  of  the  death  of  a  horse 
m-  a  cow,  sin.-e  so  many  have  been  taken  on  both  sides.  But 
according  to  t:io  calculation  made  by  wise  men,  the  English 
got  the  better  a  great  deal,  considering  they  got  the  most 
money,  which  was  what  the  Europeans  fight  for. 

As  for  their  going  to  Canada,  there  was  at  this  time  no  such 
thing  as  stopping  them. 

We  believed  what  they  said  to  be  the  truth,  and  that  it  was 


V 


iist 


4)04 


ONONDAGA. 


for  the  public  good,  and  for  the  preservation  of  their  house 
at  Oswego.  We  wished  them  a  good  journey  and  a  safe  re- 
turn, and  concluded  I  would  inform  the  Governors  of  New- 
York  and  Pennsylvania  of  the  promise  they  had  made,  with 
which  they  were  pleased. 

The  Indians  desired  that  their  brethren  might  give  them  a 
meal  of  victuals,  according  to  what  poor  Indians  do  to  the 
council  of  the  United  Nations,  on  their  travels,  and  to  the 
white  people  themselves.  But  the  officers  had  been  at  some 
charge  already.  A  gallon  of  rum  at  Oswego  is  two  dollars, 
and  four  or  five  gallons  had  been  spent,  to  serve  all  the  Indi- 
ans going  to  Canada  Avitli  two  drams  each.  They  were  at  a 
loss  how  to  do,  but  gathered  about  three  bags  of  peas,  about 
thirty  pounds  of  pork,  and  four  or  five  loaves  of  bread,  and 
gave  it  to  the  Indians.  They  returned  thanks,  and  were  well 
pleased.  But  it  was  not  sufficient  for  one  quarter  part  of  them 
to  serve  for  one  meal.  They  complained  to  me  of  the  covet- 
ousness  of  their  brethren  of  Albany.  That  they  reaped  a 
great  profit  of  thousands  of  pounds  at  the  house  of  Oswego, 
but  would  never  give  them  a  meal  of  victuals  at  Oswego." 

The  14th  of  June,  the  Indians  came  again  to  the  fort.  I 
treated  them  with  a  dram,  and  gave  them  a  two  gallon  cask 
of  rum  on  their  journey,  with  which  to  drink  the  health  of 
the  King  and  Queen  of  Great  Britain,  in  Montreal,  after 
their  arrival.  I  presented  their  chief  speaker  with  a  watch- 
coat,  shirt,  and  a  pair  of  stockings. 

The  15th  I  set  out  again  from  Oswego,  for  Onontago,  where 
I  arrived  on  the  16th. 

The  17th,  spent  one  day  with  Cathkerrowano  and  Canasa- 
tego,  the  very  chiefs  of  that  nation,  who  staid  at  home,  to 
meet  the  Crovernor  of  New-  York,  in  Albany^  (as  they  said,) 
.some  time  this  fall. 

The  18th,  set  out  for  the  Mohawks'  country;  passed 
through  the  Tuscaroras'  and  Oneidas'  countries,  and  arrived  at 
Canashocany." 

The  remainder  of  the  Journal  relates  to  several  interviews 
had  with  the  Mohawk  chiefs,  at  which  interesting  speeches 


were  made- 

of  the  Engl 

Onondaga— 

allies  the  E 

While  the 

and  their  ] 

Nations  we: 

over  one  hu 

many  of  whc 

cases,  were 

early  part  oi 

the  Satanas, 

on  the  south 

considerablv 

age.      After 

most  implacf 

long  and  blc 

Quatoghies, 

perly,  occupi 

and   Ontario 

year  1052. 

confederates, 

the  French,  \ 

nation  of  thi 

sanguinary  ci 

were  comple 

since  been  he 

ited  the  soutl 

hilated  by  th( 

thus  became  i 

the  western  \ 

part  of  the  S 

and  adopted, 

tied  amono;  tl 

CD 

Tutelos,  who 
country.  Th 
age — they  sp( 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


305 


were  made— during  which,  the  interpreter  explains  the  policy 
of  the  English  towards  the  Indians,  the  object  of  his  visit  to 
Onondaga— beseeching  the  Indians  to  remain  faithful  to  their 
allies  the  English,  which  they  promise  to  do.  ♦ 

While  these  events  were  passing,  relative  to  the  Iroquois 
and  their  French,  Dutch  and  English  neighbors,  the  Five 
Nations  were  engaged  nearly  the  whole  time,  (a  period  of 
over  one  hundred  years,)  in  wars  with  various  Indian  tribes, 
many  of  whom  they  conquered ;  the  remnants  of  which,  in  many 
cases,  were  adopted  and  were  settled  among  them.     In  the 
early  part  of  their  wars  with  the  Adirondacks,  they  conquered 
the  Satanas,  a  feeble  nation,  whom  they  adopted  and  settled 
on  the  southren  shore  of  Lake  Ontario,  which  conquest  added 
considerably  to  their  numbers,  and  raised  their  drooping  cour- 
age.      After  the  overthrow  of  the  Adirondacks,  ever  their 
most  implacable  enemies,  with  whom  they  had  carried  on  a 
long  and  bloody  war,  they  subdued  the  Hurons,  called  also 
Quatoghies,  who  lived  north  of  the  great  lakes,  or  more  pro- 
perly, occupied  that  groat  peninsula  between  Lakes  Superior 
and   Ontario.     This  conquest  was   accomplished   about   the 
year  1652.     Many  of  those  who  survived,  settled  among  the 
confederates,  while  others  who  continued  their  attachment  to 
the  French,  settled  near  Quebec.     The  Eries,  called  also  the 
nation  of  the  Cat,  were  wholly  destroyed  after  a  long  and 
sanguinary  contest,  which  closed  about  the  year  1654.     They 
were  completely   extirpated,  and   no  remnant  of  them  has 
since  been  heard  of  in  existence.     The  Andastes,  who  inhab- 
ited the  south  eastern  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  were  nearly  anni- 
hilated by  the  Senecas,  about  the  year  1672.     The  Iroquois 
thus  became  masters  of  their  lands,  comprising  what  is  now 
the  western  part  of  the  State  of  New- York,  and  the  eastern 
part  of  the  State  of  Ohio,     besides  these,  had  been  conquered 
and  adopted,  the  Kasoongktas,  who  were  subdued  by,  and  set- 
tled among  the  Onondagas  ;  and  again,  a  small  tribe,  called 
Tutelos,  who  were  conquered  and  settled  in  the  Cayugas' 
country.     These  last  were  supposed  to  be  of  Winnebago  line- 
age—they spoke  a  harsh,  rough  sounding  dialect.     In  1712, 

SO 


i'  Jtii 


»i  I'll 


:.J.. 


306 


ONONDAGA. 


a  terrible  Indian  war  broke  out  in  South  Carolina,  in  which 
colony  the  Tuscaroras  then  resiiled,  and  bore  a  distinguished 
part.  They  were  finally  subdued,  after  immense  loss  to  them- 
selves, which  was  computed  to  be  over  one  thousand  warriors  in 
a  single  campaign.  They  soon  after  this  disaster,  abandoned 
their  country  and  united  themselves  with  the  Iroquois,  who 
assigned  them  a  portion  of  their  territory,  near  the  Oneida 
Lake,  in  the  Oneidas'  country  ;  after  which,  they  removed  to 
western  New- York.  The  Scnecas  gave  them  lands  on  the 
great  ridge,  in  the  present  county  of  Niagara.  Here  they 
have  since  continued  to  dwell,  having  added  to  their  posses- 
sions, by  an  early  purchase  from  the  Holland  land  company, 
made  with  the  avails  of  the  sale  of  their  reservation  in  North 
Carolina.  They  number  at  present,  in  New- York,  (1848,) 
little  less  than  three  hundred  souls.  A  portion  of  them  have 
joined  the  Mohawks  in  Canada.  The  acquisition  of  the  Tus- 
caroras to  the  Five  Nations,  gave  them  the  nominal  title  of 
the  Six  Nations.  They  are  supposed  by  some,  to  be  of  the 
lineage  of  the  Iroquois,  speaking  a  similar  dialect.  In 
1722,  the  strength  of  the  Six  Nations  was  further  augmented 
by  their  reception  among  them,  of  a  considerable  body  of 
Nicariaguas.  Their  residence  had  been  on  the  north  of  Macki- 
naw. It  has  been  said*  that  about  the  year  1765,  the  Messa- 
aagnes  were  admitted  as  a  seventh  nation.  They  lived  adjacent 
to  Lakes  Huron  and  Superior.  They  were  about  two  thou- 
sand in  number.  This  connection,  however,  (if  ever  formed,) 
must  have  been  broken  oft',  for  there  is  at  present  no  traditioD 
imong  the  Onondagas,  of  such  an  event. 

Hostilities  again  broke  out  between  the  French  and  Eng- 
lish, in  1744 ;  but,  by  the  treaty  of  Aix  la  Chapelle,  signed 
30th  of  April,  1748,  it  was  stipulated,  that  all  conquests  made 
during  the  war,  by  either  party,  should  be  restored,  entirely 
on  the  principle,  status  ante  helium.  But  this  had  not  the 
effect  to  remove  the  controversies  previously  existing  between 
the  eolonies  of  England  and  France,  respecting  their  bounda- 


•  Drake's  Book  of  the  Indians. 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


807* 


ries.  The  English  had  taken  possession  of  the  Atlantic  coast, 
and  considered  themselves,  as  having  a  preemptive  right  to  all 
the  country  west  to  the  racific.  The  French  settlements 
Btretching  from  Canada  on  the  north,  to  Louisiana  on  the 
Bouth,  seriously  interfered  with  those  of  the  English.  Canada 
and  Louisiana  united,  would  have  formed,  as  has  been  aptly 
said  "  a  bow,  of  which  the  English  colonies  would  have  consti- 
tuted the  string  ;"  and  France  insisted  on  confining  them  to 
the  eastern  side  of  the  Allcghanies.  The  contest  was  for  the 
extensive  and  fertile  valley  of  the  great  Mississippi.  At  this 
period,  the  white  population  of  the  English  colonies,  is  supposed 
to  amount  to  upAvards  of  a  million  souls,  while  that  of  the 
French,  scarcely  amounted  to  sixty  thousand.  Notwithstand- 
ing this  disparity  in  numbers,  advantages  inclined  in  favor  of 
the  P'rench.  Their  whole  power  was  concentrated  under  one 
governor.  The  genius  of  the  people  and  the  government  was 
military,  and  great  reliance  was  placed  on  the  Indians,  who, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Five  Nations,  were  firmly  attached 
to  the  French  cause. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  British  colonies  were  divided  into 
distinct  governments,  unaccustomed  to  act  in  concert,  already 
jealous  of  the  power  of  the  crown ;  besides,  they  had  for  a 
long  time  remained  in  peace,  consequently^  unused  to  arras, 
but  they  still  continued  their  alliance  with  the  Five  Nations,, 
who  were  ready  and  powerful  auxiliaries.  Such  was  the  po- 
sition of  these  rival  nations  in  America,  at  the  opening  of  the 
campaign,  in  1755.  General  Braddock  this  year  arrived  from 
England  ;  expeditions  Avere  planned  against  Fort  du  Quesne, 
forts  Niagara,  Frontenac,  and  Crown  Point ;  and  another  by 
the  Massachusetts  colony,  against  Nova  Scotia.  That  against 
du  Quesne  proved  disastrous,  in  the  defeat  of  General  Brad- 
dock.  The  two  northern  expeditions,  though  not  so  disas- 
trous as  that  against  Fort  du  Quesne,  were  neither  of  them 
entirely  successful.  Although  General  William  Johnson  ob- 
tained the  victory  over  the  Baron  Dieskau,  the  advantages 
were  not  as  great  as  might  have  been  anticipated,  or  would 
have  been,  had  the  victory  been  more  complete.     While  Gene- 


IT 

J'f| 

rvl 

■I- 

ill 

H!i 


-.iLi! 


308 


ONONDAGA 


ral  Shirley  experienced  so  many  delays,  that  he  accomplished 
nothing  against  Niagara,  but  to  leave  a  garrison  at  Oswego 
and  return  to  Albany.  In  the  expedition  under  General 
Johnson,  the  warriors  of  the  Five  Nations,  principally  Mo- 
hawks and  Onoudagaa,  under  the  renowned  King  Ilcndrick 
rendered  signal  service  to  the  English,  and  sustained  in  a  dis- 
tinguished manner,  their  former  character  for  courage  and 
bravery.  The  Onondagas  were  ready  with  their  whole  availa- 
ble force,  to  assist  General  Shirley,  and  only  waited  an  oppor- 
tunity to  prove  themselves  every  ^vay  worthy  the  conlideace 
and  consideration  of  their  friends. 

The  Marcjuis  do  Montcalm,  who  succeeded  General  Dies- 
kau  in  command  of  the  army  of  Canada,  in  the  mean  time 
advanced  with  five  thousand  men,  including  Europeans,  Cana- 
dians and  Indians,  against  Oswego.  After  a  siege  of  three 
days,  in  which  Colonel  Mercer,  commander  of  the  garrison, 
was  killed,  the  whole  force  capitulated,  and  were  made  prison- 
ers of  war,  and  the  forts,  in  the  presence  of  the  Onondagas 
demolished.  A  respectable  naval  armnmcnt,  then  on  the  lake 
fell  also  into  the  hands  of  tbe  enemy.  Tlie  following  year, 
175".  'he  successful  and  vigilant  Montcalm,  laid  siege  to  Fort 
William  Henry,  v.-ith  so  much  vigor,  that  the  garrison  under 
Colonel  Munroo  capitulated,  after  an  investment  of  six  days, 
surrendering  their  militai-y  stores,  and  material  of  war,  stipu- 
lating that  they  should  not  serve  against  the  King  of  the 
French,  or  his  allies,  for  the  space  ef  eighteen  months. 

The  campaign  of  1757  closed,  leaving  the  affairs  of  the 
colonies  of  Great  Britain,  in  America,  in  a  more  gloomy  situ- 
ation than  at  any  former  period. 

By  the  reduction  of  Fort  William  Henry,  tlie  French  ac- 
quired possession  of  Lakes  Champlain  and  George,  and,  by 
the  destruction  of  Oswego,  secured  the  dominion  of  the  Lakes, 
Ontario  and  westward  to  the  waters  connecting  with  the  Mis- 
sissippi. The  campaign  of  1758,  opened  with  brighter  pros- 
pects, although  at  first,  it  seemed  to  forbode  anything  like 
success.  General  Abercrombie  was  repulsed  before  Ticon- 
deroga,  with  great  loss ;  but,  to  make  amends  for  this,  Colo- 


nel Bradstri 
tenac,  with  i 
all  the  soutl 
principal  de 
armed  vessel 
razed  the  fc 
easily  remov 
to  Oswego ; 
with  unexan 
yielded  to  tl; 
17')!>. 

The  same 
Lake  Ontari 
had  scarcely 
had  been  le 
rously  attacl 
repulsed  Avitl 
flict.  Mean 
and  investei 
the  siege,  th 
upon  which 
A  battle  was 
lish  were  vie 
by  Avhich  th( 

The  authc 
expedition,  i 
book  of  Ser 
Highlanders 
the  archives 
H.  R.  Scho 
ance  to  inser 
lished. 

"  On  the  i 
Johnson,  wit 
pedition  agai 
19,  1759,  af 

Boats,  baj 


EARL  Y   HISTORY. 


8D9 


nel  Bradstreet,  in  the  mcth  of  August,  took  the  Fort  Fron- 
tenac,  with  its  larpfc  miigizine  of  military  stoves,  from  which 
all  the  south-wostcrn  posts  drew  their  supplies,  it  being  the 
principal  depot  for  articles  designed  for  the  Indians.  Nine 
armed  vessels  also  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  English.  Having 
razed  the  fort,  and  demolished  such  stores  as  could  not  be 
easily  removed,  Colonel  Bradstreet  recrossed  the  Lake  Ontario 
to  Oswego ;  the  expedition  throughout  having  been  attended 
with  unexampled  success.  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point, 
yielded  to  the  English  arms,  under  General  Amherst,  in  July, 
IToD. 

The  same  month,  July,  General  Prideaux  embarked  on 
Lake  Ontario,  with  an  army  destined  against  Niagara.  He 
had  scarcely  departed  from  Oswego  when  that  place  which 
had  been  left  in  command  of  Colonel  Haldimand,  was  vigo- 
rously attacked  by  a  body  of  French  and  Indians,  who  were 
repulsed  Avith  considerable  loss,  after  a  somewhat  severe  con- 
flict. Meanwhile,  General  Prideaux  proceeded  to  Niagara, 
and  invested  that  fortress  in  due  form.  In  the  progress  of 
the  siege,  the  General  was  killed  by  the  bursting  of  a  cohorn, 
upon  which  the  command  devolved  upon  General  Johnson. 
A  battle  was  fought  on  the  24th  of  July,  in  which  the  Eng- 
lish were  victorious.  A  capitulation  Avas  immediately  signed, 
by  Avhich  the  garrison  became  prisoners  of  Avar. 

The  author  having  in  hand,  a  manuscript  relative  to  this 
expedition,  it  being  no  other  than  that  of  the  original  orderly 
book  of  Serjeant  John  Degarimo,  of  the  44th  regiment  of 
Highlanders,  company  of  Capt.  John  McKenzie,  found  among 
the  archives  of  the  NcAv-York  Historical  Society,  presented  by 
H.  R.  Schoolcraft,  Esq.  We  think  it  of  sufficient  import- 
ance to  insert  entire,  inasmuch  as  it  has  never  before  been  pub- 
lished. 

"  On  the  21st  of  June,  1750,  Gen.  Prideaux  and  Sir  William 
Johnson,  AA'ith  the  army,  set  out  from  Oneida  Lake,  on  an  ex- 
pedition against  Niagara,  Avhich  terminated  at  OsAvego,  August 
19,  1759,  after  the  capture  of  that  post. 

Boats,  bateaux,  &c.,  were  prepared  for  the  conduct  of  the 


ri 


«10 


ONONDAGA. 


whole  army.  Among  which  arc  mentioned,  masons,  sawyers 
bricklayers,  wheelwrights,  colliers,  carpenters,  house  and  ship! 
joiners,  turners,  blacksmiths,  gunsmiths,  &c.,  &c.  Orders 
were  given,  to  have  all  the  bateaux  ready  in  three  divisions, 
each  one  to  be  numbered,  as  soon  as  a  sufficient  number 
of  them  shall  be  assigned  to  each.  During  the  march,  tho 
most  particular  regard  was  paid  to  order  and  precison  in  dis- 
cipline. On  tho  23d,  the  army  passed  Fort  Brcwington,  and 
encamped  at  Three  Rivers.  On  the  24th,  at  5  o'clock,  A.  M. 
all  were  ordered  to  bo  in  readiness  for  the  March.  The  pi- 
quet  guard,  and  quarter  guard,  to  march  along  shore. 

24th;  arrived  at  the  great  falls  and  encamped,  and  re- 
mained there  the  25th  and  26th.  On  the  27th,  arrived  at 
Oswego,  and  were  engaged  in  procuring  provisions,  28th,  29th 
and  30th,  and  in  making  preparations  for  the  march. 

July  1st,  moved  on  to  Osenodus  Bay  ;  next  day  moved  on 
to  Nidenindequeat,  and  were  there  through  the  3d  at  Prideaui 
Bay  on  the  4th,  and  at  Johnson's  Creek,  5th,  6th,  and  7th, 
and  before  Niagara,  from  the  8th  of  July,  to  the  2d  of  Au- 
gust ;  during  which  time,  it  was  duly  invested  and  taken ;  af- 
ter which,  the  army  returned  to  Oswego,  on  the  6th.  The 
journal  closes  with  the  19th." 

Another  journal  by  the  same  hand  commences  with  a  col- 
lection of  troops  from  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  New- 
Hampshire,  Connecticut,  and  New- Jersey,  with  the  44th 
Highlanders,  under  command  of  Colonel  Woodhull,  and  their 
march  to  the  frontiers  of  New- York,  being  at  Albany,  May 
3d,  1760,  and  terminating  at  a  camp  near  Fort  Ontario,  July 
16th,  1760.  These  troops  were  nearly  all  collected  by  the 
1st  of  June,  and  were  ready  to  proceed  on  the  9th.  On  the 
10th,  they  were  mustered  at  Schoharie  ;  June  15th,  encamped 
at  Willihea ;  10th  at  Frey's  ;  19th  to  29th  at  Canajoharia ;  Ju- 
ly Ist  at  Fort  Stanwix,  and  at  Fort  Brewington  on  July  6th. 
The  journal  thus  goes  on,  "July  6th,  1760,  camp  at  Fort 
Brewington.  No  man  to  presume  to  damage  any  thing  be- 
longing to  the  Indians,  on  penalty  of  receiving  one  Imndred 
lashes,  without  benefit  of  court  martial.     The  officers  com- 


manding com 

bateaux,  with 

what  species. 

stay  with  it  a 

that  man  is  t 

of  each  com] 

o'clock,  to  th 

Camp  at  I 

The  third 

board  their  b 

at  ten  o'clocl 

mediately. 

Camp  at  1 

R.  0.  Ai 

such  prisoner 

Capt.  Yates, 

Cannon,  mei 

The  army 

They  arri\ 

closes  with  tl 

nal  gives  the 

turn  of  Gen< 

close  of  the 

ending  at  So 

From  a  m 

Library  of  tl 

lowing  relati 

dagas,  &c. : 

July  17,  1 

Brewerton,* 

chem  of  Gai 

der  to  suppo 

of  the  dearn 

&c.     After ' 

ties  had  beei 

*  It  iB  «  little 
ia  spelled  Brewi 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


811 


manding  companies  to  give  in  a  return  of  -what  number  of 
bateaux,  with  the  number  of  barrels  each  will  contain,  and  of 
what  species.  That  a  man  shall  be  assigned  to  each  boat  to 
stay  with  it  all  night,  and  keep  her  always  bailed  out,  and 
that  man  is  to  be  answerable  for  it.  A  return  of  the  state 
of  each  company  to  be  given  in  to-morrow  morning,  at  six 
o'clock,  to  the  serjeant  major. 

Camp  at  Fort  Brewington,  July  7ih,  17G0. 

The  third  New-York  Regiment  to  bo  ready  to  embark  on 
board  their  bateaux  at  half  past  nine  o'clock,  and  to  push  oflF 
at  ten  o'clock.  The  Serjeants  to  see  that  their  men  cook  im- 
mediately. 

Camp  at  Three  River  Rift,  July  8. 

R.  0.  A  regimental  court  martial  to  sit  immediately,  to  try 
such  prisoners  as  shall  be  brought  before  them,  consisting  of 
Capt.  Yates,  President ;  Lieuts.  Deneyck,  Vrooman,  Hanson, 
Cannon,  members. 

The  army  proceed  to  Oswego  Falls,  and  again  encamped." 

They  arrived  at  Oswego  on  the  9th  July,  and  the  journal 
closes  with  the  army  at  Oswego,  July  20th.  The  same  jour- 
nal gives  the  orderly's  record  of  the  same  regiment  of  the  re- 
turn of  General  Bradstreet's  army  from  Detroit,  1764,  at  the 
close  of  the  Pontiac  war,  beginning  at  Sandusky  Bay,  and 
ending  at  Schlosser  and  Niagara  Falls,  Nov.  13,  1764. 

From  a  manuscript  journal  of  Sir  William  Johnson's  in  the 
Library  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  we  glean  the  fol- 
lowing relative  to  Indian  councils,  held  with  the  Oneidas,  Onon- 
dagas,  &c. : 

July  17,  1761,  Sir  William  Johnson  having  arrived  at  Fort 
Brewerton,*  west  end  of  Oneida  Lake,  Sequarisero,  chief  sa- 
chem of  Gauayhsaragey,  came  to  his  tent  to  buy  some  pow- 
der to  support  his  family  in  hunting,  and  complained  greatly 
of  the  dearness  of  goods  and  the  low  prices  of  beavers,  furs, 
&c.  After  which  Sir  William  asked  him  whether  any  depu- 
ties had  been  sent  by  the  Five  Nations  in  the  spring  or  sum- 

*  It  is  a  little  singular  that  at  this  time,  and  at  nil  times,  the  name  of  this  place 
is  spelled  Brewington  and  Brewerton— the  latter  is  right. 


''I 


312 


ONONDAGA 


mor,  either  by  the  Indians  living  about  Detroit,  or  to  tnj 
other  nations  of  Indians.  To  wliich  ho  answered,  that  there 
were  some  sent  by  tiio  Senecas,  and  that  the  Cayu^ruH  wc-o  to 
have  sent  some  also,  but  that  on  the  arrival  of  the  Cayuga 
Indians  in  the  Scnocas' country,  ho  was  toM  it  would  not  be 
prudent  to  go  so  far  alone,  whereupon  they  proceeded  without 
him. 

To  confirm  what  had  on  a  previous  occasion  been  said,  tho 
journal  continues,  ''  I  then  sent  by  an  Indian  a  string  of  wam- 
pum to  desire  the  Brant,  and  other  chiefs  of  the  Onondagas, 
to  meet  us  at  Oswego  in  order  to  talk  over  the  business  with 
them,  as  also  to  deliver  the  medals  sent  by  (Jeneral  Amherst, 
to  all  those  of  that  nation,  who  ai^eompanied  tho  army  to 
Montreal  the  last  year,  but  on  mentioning  some  particular 
chiefs.  Sir  William  was  informed  by  tho  Tuscarora  sachem 
that  they  were  gone,  on  tho  Governor  of  Pennsylvania's  invi- 
tation, to  attend  a  meeting  of  deputies  of  that'jjrovince,  ad- 
ding that  this  nation  and  the  Oneidas  refused  sending  a  depu- 
tation thither. 

Sunday,  July  10th,  Sir  William  Johnson  arrived  at  Oswe- 
go. On  the  20tli,  several  Messasauguas  and  other  Indians 
waited  on  Sir  William,  whom  he  informed  of  the  cause  of  his 
going  to  Detroit. 

Two  o'clock  P.  M.  Two  Onondagas  arrived  and  acquaint- 
ed Sir  William  that  forty  of  their  nation  were  on  their  way 
to  meet  him  agreeable  to  his  summons." 

At  a  meeting  held  at  Oswego,  Tuesday,  July  21st,  1761 
present,  Sir  William  Johnson,  Part.,  Maj.  Duncan,  Capt.  Gray,' 
and  several  officers  of  the  r).5th  regiment,  Lieut.  Guy  Johnson! 
acting  as  Secretary,  with  interpreters,  and  upwards  of  forty  sa- 
chems and  warriors  of  Onondaga.  Sir  Willlnm  opened  the  con- 
ference by  welcoming  them  to  Oswego,  and  after  the  usual  cere- 
mony of  condolence  for  their  friends  slain  at  Niagara,  acquaint- 
ed them  with  the  reasons  for  his  not  calling  them  to  a  gen- 
eral council,  since  his  return  from  Canada ;  Informed  them 
of  the  cause  of  his  journey  to  Detroit,  and  of  his  discovery 
of  the  evil  intentions  and  proceedings  of  tho  Indians,  and 


cautioned  thr 
ho  expected  t 
ing  which  ho 
hunting  and  i 
lish  during  hi 
idle  reports  w 
ing  to  create 
dians.  He  t 
gas,  and  del 
General  Ami 
they  withdra^ 
returned,  wlu 
turning  man 
through  tho  i 
of  wampum ; 
ly  been  given 
go  against  Ni 

"  Brother 
army  to  the  s 
ing  with  our 
of  tho  rest  of 
trade,  so  as 
likewise  prom 
ort  ourselves 
whicii  we  cli 
you  to  Nlagai 
the  wounds  wl 
we  find  ourse] 
people  in  trad 
ral  posts.     Tl 
our  expectatic 
of  much  unea 
meet  with  bet 
we  shall  be  Ir 
told  us  Avoulc 
Selt  given. 

"We  are  si 


KARLY    HISTORY. 


818 


cautioned  thorn  againHt  haviiif^  any  hand  in  them,  and  that 
ho  ox|)(!CtiMl  tlic  Five  Nation.s  would  have  attended  the  nicot- 
ing  which  he  Wiis  },'oiii<^  to  call ;  advised  them  to  nund  their 
huntinj^  and  trade,  and  to  hohave  friendly  towards  the  Eng- 
lish duriii;^  his  absence,  and  by  no  means  to  pay  re^jard  to  any 
idle  reports  which  mi;^'ht  bo  cireidated  about  tiio  country,  tend- 
ing to  create  a  misumlerstandinf;  between  the  English  and  In- 
dians. He  then  presents  a,  belt  to  the  cliiei'  of  the  Ononda- 
gas,  and  delivers  iti  groat  pomp  the  medals  forwanh'd  by 
General  Amherst,  to  all  the  chiefs  of  that  nation,  after  which 
they  withdraw  to  consider  an  answer.  In  about  an  hoin-  they 
returned,  whereupon  the  chief  speaker  stood  up,  and  after  re- 
turning many  thanks  for  what  Sir  William  had  said,  wont 
through  the  usual  ceremony  of  condolence,  gave  three  strings 
of  wampum ;  then  pulling  out  a  large  belt  wiiich  had  former- 
ly been  given  them  by  8ir  William,  when  they  were  called  to 
go  against  Niagara,  he  proceeded  : 

"  lirother  Warraghiyagey — On  your  setting  out  with  the 
army  to  the  seige  of  Niagara,  you  then  promised  us  a  meet- 
ing with  our  nation.  That  after  the  reduction  thereof  and 
of  the  rest  of  the  country,  you  would  be  enabled  to  regulate 
trade,  so  as  to  reduce  the  exhorbitant  price  of  goods,  and 
likewise  promised  us  good  treatment  forever,  should  we  ex- 
ert ourselves  in  conjunction  with  the  army  against  tlio  enemy, 
which  wo  cheerfully  agreed  to,  and  accordingly  conducted 
you  to  Niagara,  and  assisted  you  in  taking  it,  as  a  salve  for 
the  Avounds  which  you  had  received.  Notwithstanding  Avhich, 
we  find  ourselves  very  much  wronged  and  ill  treated  by  your 
people  in  trade,  and  frequently  ill  used,  without  cause,  at  seve- 
ral posts.  This  proceeding,  so  contrary  to  your  promises  and 
our  expectations,  has  greatly  alarmed  us,  and  been  the  cause 
of  much  uneasiness.  Wo  therefore  entreat  you,  that  we  may 
meet  with  better  usage  from  the  English  in  future,  otherwise 
we  shall  be  induced  to  believe  what  the  French  have  so  often 
told  us  would  be  the  consequence  of  your  reducing  tliem. 
Belt  given. 

"  We  are  surprised,  to  find  you  are  going  to  call  a  counctt 


W  tli'f 


I 


■    -^ 

m 

lLi 

21''* 

h| 

ll 

rll 

314 


ONONDAGA. 


at  Detroit,  as  you  know  that  the  chief  and  only  council  fire 
burns  at  your  house,  excepting  that  whicli  we  have  at  Onon- 
daga. Besides,  the  Avestern  Indians,  as  aggressors,  oucrht 
rather  to  have  attended  on  you.  You  recommend  to  us  to 
mind  our  hunting  and  trade,  and  to  live  on  good  terras  with 
our  brethren  at  the  several  posts,  than  which  nothint^  could 
be  more  agreeable  to  our  inclinations.  But  Ave  are  sorry  to 
observe  that  your  brethren  do  not  seem  desirous  of  living  on 
any  good  terms  with  us,  from  the  frequent  acts  of  violenco 
offered,  as  well  to  us  as  to  our  women,  and  also  from  their 
hindering  us  from  fishing  or  hunting  about  the  posts,  although 
in  our  own  country,  and  frequently  taking  from  us  what  we 
have  killed  or  taken,  contrary  to  promise  and  the  friendship 
subsisting  between  us  and  you.  We  therefore  beg,  brother, 
that  you  Avill  interpose  and  see  justice  done  us — that  Ave  may 
have  a  free  and  reasonable  trade,  Avith  powder  allowed  us,  and 
that  there  may  be,  also,  interpreters  fixed  at  the  several  posts, 
who  may  prevent  any  future  misunderstanding,  Avhich  otherAvise 
might  happen,  through  our  not  understanding  each  other's 
language. 

"  Brother — With  regard  to  Avhat  you  spoke  to  us,  concern- 
ing the  intelligence  sent  from  Detroit,  and  to  your  kind  cau- 
tions to  us  on  that  head,  Avhereby  you  advised  us  to  avoid  en- 
tering into  any  such  idle  project,  Ave  can  truly  answer,  that 
we  knoAV  nothing  of  any  such  plot,  neither  are  Ave,  or  shall 
re  get  drunk  and  suffer  ourselves  to  grow  giddy,  being  deter- 
mined to  hold  fast  the  coA^enant  chain,  and  hope  you  will  do 
the  same  on  your  part,  so  that  Ave  may  both  live  together,  till 
we  become  gray.  This  belt,  Avhich  you  have  delivered  us, 
shall  be  sent  to  the  soA'eral  nations,  our  allies,  to  acquaint 
them  Avith  Avhat  you  say,  Avith  our  resolutions  thereon,  Avhich 
we  hope  Avill  be  a  precedent  for  them  to  follow,  and  Avhen  they 
are  all  acquainted  therewith,  you  Avill  receive  a  belt  in  return. 

"Brother — We  esteem  it  a  great  favor  that  the  general 
hath  thought  proper  to  remember  those  Indians  who  attended 
him  to  Monti  eal  last  year,  by  rcAvarding  them  Avith  medals, 
and  we  return  you  thanks  for  delivering  them  to  us,  assuring 


arose  at  t 
nations  rt 
may  with 
to  their  w 
you  must 
guished  tt 
war. 

"  Broth 
adaeta,  w 
spring,  wl: 
kettles,  a 
then  goinf 
you  will  i 
been  grea 
chase  clot 

"  Broth 
came  here 
leturn.  ^ 
much  the; 
which  ren 
the  maint( 
it,  even  fo 
wampum, 
have  a  coi 
until  your 
to  be  forg 

In  replj 
instances 
out  in  no 
length  ass 
ment  of  tl 
of  the  On 
&c.,  on  pr 
ceptable  t 


Miruii^ 


EARLY    HISTORY. 


315 


you  that  you  may  always  depend  on  our  remaining  true  allies 
to  the  English,  and  although,  through  misunderstanding  which 
arose  at  that  time,  several  of  our  and  of  the  other  Indian 
nations  returned  back,  after  the  taking  of  Fort  Levis,  you 
may  with  great  truth  acquaint  the  general  that  it  was  owing 
to  their  want  of  zeal  and  inclination  to  serve  the  English,  as 
you  must  know,  that  several  of  them  have  particularly  distin- 
guished themselves  in  your  cause,  during  all  the  rest  of  the 
war. 

"  Brother — Here  is  one  of  our  people  present,  named  Kan- 
adaeta,  who  had  his  hunting  house  plundered  (during  the 
spring,  while  he  was  absent  hunting)  of  thirty  buckskins,  two 
kettles,  a  gun,  axes  and  other  things,  by  some  of  the  English, 
then  going  to  Fort  William  Augustus.  He  therefore  hopes 
you  will  inquire  into  it  and  obtain  some  redress,  as  he  has 
been  greatly  reduced  thereby,  not  having  wherewithal  to  pur- 
chase clothing. 

"  Brother — I  now  speak  at  the  request  of  the  warriors,  who 
came  here  to  see  and  wish  you  a  good  journey,  and  safe 
return.  And  I  am,  in  their  names,  to  let  you  know  how 
much  they  are  distressed  for  want  of  powder  for  hunting, 
which  renders  them  unable  to  obtain  skins  for  trade,  and  for 
the  maintenance  of  their  families,  not  being  able  to  procure 
it,  even  for  their  money.  They  therefore,  by  this  bunch  of 
wampum,  desire  you  to  consider  their  wants,  by  letting  them 
have  a  couple  of  casks  of  powder,  with  a  proportion  of  ball, 
until  your  return,  which  they  shall  look  upon  as  a  favor  never 
to  be  forgotten." 

In  reply.  Sir  William  reminded  the  Onondagas  of  the  several 
instances  of  their  perfidy,  bad  faith  and  fickleness,  and  deals 
out  in  no  unmeasured  terms,  threats  and  rebukes;  but  at 
length  assumes  an  evener  tone,  and  finally  threatens  punish- 
ment of  the  marauders  of  either  party,  and  grants  the  wishos 
of  the  Onondaga  chief,  by  promising  him  the  powder,  balls, 
&c.,  on  promise  of  future  amendment,  which  proved  very  ac- 
ceptable to  the  Onondagas. 


316 


ONONDAGA. 


Sir  William  continues  his  journey,  and  holds  other  confer- 
ences at  Niagara  and  Detroit. 

In  September,  1759,  the  English  forces,  provincial  and  re- 
gular, with  a  large  body  of  Mohawk  and  Onondaga  Indians, 
were  concentrated  at  Quebec,  under  General  Wolfe,  which  even- 
tuated in  the  decisive  battle  on  the  plains  of  Abraham,  and  the 
surrender  of  the  fortress  and  city  of  Quebec.  In  this  im- 
portant battle,  fell  the  illustrious  commanders  of  both  English 
and  French  ;  General  Wolfe  and  M.  de  Montcalm.  Deaths 
more  glorious,  and  attended  with  circumstances  more  pictu- 
resque, exhibiting  more  nobleness  of  soul  and  heroic  fortitude, 
can  scarcely  find  parallels  in  the  annals  of  history.  With 
this  event,  fell  the  power  of  the  French  in  Canada.  By  the 
treaty  of  peace,  which  succeeded  in  1762,  the  French  King 
ceded  to  Great  Britain,  forever,  all  the  territory  to  which 
France  was  entitled,  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
except  the  Island  of  New-Orleans. 

The  cessation  of  hostilities  between  these  two  great  powers 
gave  also  rest  to  the  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  ;  but,  not- 
withstanding their  favor  was  courted  by  the  English,  the  ser- 
vices they  had  rendered  to  the  colonies  were  of  too  import- 
ant a  character  not  to  be  substantially  remembered ;  and,  even 
at  this  late  day,  it  becomes  us,  not  to  forget,  in  our  reminis- 
cences of  the  past  and  our  felicitations  of  the  present,  those 
distinguished  braves  who  so  freely  shed  their  blood  for  their 
English  allies ;  nor  feel  reluctance  in  bestowing  the  due  meed 
of  praise  to  those  heroic  warriors  and  brilliant  orators,  who 
figured   alike  conspicuously  in   our  history  and  their  own. 
The  great  council  fire  for  the  transaction  of  business  between 
the  English  and  Six  Nations  had  been  usually  lighted  at  Al- 
bany ;  while  that,  for  theiv  own  affairs,  shone  abroad  with  un- 
diminished lustre,  from  their  time  honored  Onondaga.     Had 
it  not  been  for  the  long  continued  friendship  of  these  distin- 
guished people,  and  the  inestimable  services  rendered  by  them 
in  the  English  wars  with  the  French,  it  is  not  at  all  certain  that 
the  English  would  have  been  successful ;  and  it  is  nossille.  if 


not  probabl( 
the  French. 

After  th( 
the  mother 
which  at  fii 
happiness,  i 
storm  gave  ■ 
Lexington,  ; 
at  Bunker  I 
came  the  p 
possible,  of 
were  unsucc 
neutral  part 
in  their  cabi 
part  against 

The  Onoii 
war  path,  ar 
to  the  crown 
treated  thoii 
In  the  treat_^ 
there  was  n( 
the  legislatu 
them  from  a 
but,  by  the  k 
the  rash  act 
the  Six  Nati( 
at  Fort  Sta 
sented  by  th 
part  of  the  1 

*In  175S,  tli( 
Johnson  and  otli 
title  of  the  exten 
lakes.  The  com 
triu't  oC  upwards 
Brotherton.  Th 
coininissii)ners,  n 
Raritan.  The  ex 
The  Mohawks 
present,  to  the  m 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


8i*r 


not  probable,  that  the  colonics  would  have  been  governed  by 
the  French.* 

After  the  conclusion  of  this  war,  the  difficulties  between 
the  mother  country  and  the  colonies,  thickened.  The  clouds 
which  at  first  cast  their  faint  shadows  over  the  sun  of  our 
happiness,  at  length  thickened  to  a  tempest,  till  the  awful 
storm  gave  warning  of  its  approach,  at  Boston,  Concord  and 
Lexington,  and  finally  burst  forth  in  its  most  portentous  fury 
at  Buiij^er  Hill.  Foreseeing  a  long  and  angry  contest,  it  be- 
came the  policy  of  the  colonies  to  secure  the  assistance,  if 
possible,  of  the  Indians  occupying  the  frontier.  In  this  they 
were  unsuccessful,  and  failed  even  to  engage  them  to  act  a 
neutral  part,  except  the  Oneidas,  a  portion  of  whom  lay  idle 
in  their  cabins,  while  the  Mohawks  bore  a  most  distinguished 
part  against  the  cause  of  freedom. 

The  Onondagas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas,  were  often  on  the 
war  path,  and  rendered,  at  different  periods,  essential  service 
to  the  crown.  After  the  Avar  of  the  Revolution,  the  English 
treated  their  Indian  allies  with  great  indifference  and  neglect. 
In  the  treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain, 
there  was  no  stipulation  made  in  behalf  of  the  Indians,  and 
the  legislature  of  Kew-York  manifested  a  disposition  to  expel 
them  from  all  their  territory,  within  the  bounds  of  the  state ; 
but,  by  the  kind  offices  of  Generals  Washington  and  Schuyler, 
the  rash  act  was  not  consummated.  A  grand  council  of  all 
the  Six  Nations,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  treaty,  was  called 
at  Fort  Stanwix,  in  1784.  The  several  nations  were  repre- 
sented by  the  chiefs  and  warriors.  The  commissioners  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States  were  Oliver  Wolcott,  Richard  But- 

*  In  17')S,  the  governors  of  Pennaylvania  and  New-Jersey,  with  Sir  William 
Johnson  and  other  agents,  coacluded  a  treaty  with  the  Indians,  conveying  the 
title  of  the  extensive  territory  lying  between  the  Apalacliian  Mountains  and  tha 
lakes.  The  commissioners,  with  the  eonsent  of  the  Indian  attorneys,  purciiased  a 
tra(tt  of  upwards  of  thirty  til  lusand  acres  of  land,  which  received  the  name  of 
Br.nherton.  Tiio  dned  was  taken  in  tlie  name  of  the  Xcw-Tersev  gLivernor  and 
commissioners,  and  their  heirs,  in  trust  for  tlie  natives  in  New-Jersey,  soiith  of  the 
Raritan.    The  council  Ijegan  on  the  blh  of  October  and  continued  to  the  '^Gth. 

The  Mohawks,  Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas,  Senecas,  and  otiier  nations  wera 
present,  to  the  number  of  (Ive  hundred  and  seven.    (Holme's  Annals,  II.  p.  86.) 


lil 


Wti 


S18 


ONONDAGA. 


ler  and  Arthur  Lee.  A  definitive  treaty  was  made,  giving 
to  each  a  suitable  reservation  of  land,  except  the  Mohawks, 
who  had  accepted  a  proposal  from  General  Ilaldimand  to  sel^ 
tie  in  Canada.  By  this  treaty,  they  were  shorn  of  a  goodly 
portion  of  their  valuable  lands,  their  power  was  destroyed, 
and  their  martial  spirit  completely  broken.  The  result  of  this 
negotiation  gave  great  dissatisfaction  to  the  chiefs  and  war- 
riors of  the  Five  Nations.  They  had  fought  for  their  favorite 
ally  and  been  conquered ;  they  had  severally  been  assaulted 
in  their  own  country  and  been  defeated  ;  they  had  raised  the 
hatchet  in  defense  of  their  homes,  it  had  fallen  unavenged  and 
harmless  to  the  ground,  and  they  sat  down  mournfully  to 
brood  over  their  fallen  fortunes.  The  western  Indians  had 
shared  little  in  the  trials  of  the  confederates  ;  they  continued 
their  murderous  incursions  on  the  defenseless  inhabitants  of 
Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  Kentucky.  The  downfallcn  confede- 
rates, could  not  but  sympathize  with  them.  Brant,  the  great 
captain  of  the  Five  Nations,  the  master  spirit  of  their  plans, 
urged  them  on  to  war.  Bands  of  Senecas  and  Onondagas, 
under  taeir  favorite  chiefs,  were  present  with  the  MohaAvks, 
and  assisted  in  the  successive  defeats  of  Ilarmcr  and  St.  Clair, 
and  manfully  bore  arms  on  the  memorable  day  on  which  the  tide 
of  victory  Avas  turned  in  favor  of  the  American  arms,  wielded 
by  the  brave  men  commanded  by  the  gallant  Wayne.  Olieknugh 
and  Oundiaga,  of  the  Onondagas  were  there,  the  former  left 
his  bones  to  bleach  on  the  plains  of  the  Miamis ;  the  latter 
returned  with  a  few  of  his  heroic  braves,  to  tell  the  tale  of 
their  avoc,  and  to  teach  a  lesson  of  humiliation  and  submission, 
to  their  surviving  brethren,  spirit  broken  and  disconsolate. 

After  this  defeat,  the  Onondagas  saAV  clearly  the  folly  of 
cherishing  any  longer  a  hostile  disposition  towards  tlicir  im- 
mediate neighbors.  They  settled  down  in  quiet,  determined 
to  submit  with  fortitude  to  their  fate.  Their  numbers  had 
been  fatally  thinned,  they  had  gained  nothing  in  the  late  con- 
test but  honor,  and  even  that  was  forgotten  and  neglected  by 
their  allies.  Many  had  moved  westward  in  disappointment 
and  disgust,  and  the  scattering  few  who  still  lingered  around 


EARLY   HISTORY. 


319 


their  ancient  council-fire,  brooded  in  gloomy  despondency  over 
their  fallen  greatness.     By  degrees  their  confidence  was  re» 
stored,  a  season  of  rest  gave  them  renewed  vigor,  a  new  gen- 
eration brought  with  it  a  returning  spirit  of  national  pride. 
The  traditions  of  their  ancient  grandeur,  awakened  in  the  bo- 
soms of  the  maturing  braves  a  spirit  of  martial  independence. 
Again  they  seemed  to  be  themselves,  and  when  the  sound  of 
war's  alarms  was  heard  on  the  frontier  of  New-York  in  1812, 
the  Onondagas  were  ranged  for  battle,  and  gave  decisive  evi- 
dence of  their  prowess,  on  the  plains  of  Chippewa,  and  at 
Lundy's  Lane,  under  the  gallant  Generals  Brown,  Scott,  Rip- 
ley and  Porter.     Their  leader  was  lloh-a-hoa-qua,  (La  Fort,) 
father  of  the  late  head  chief  bearing  the  latter  appellation. 
Ti-ungk-ta-ko-nae,  (Capt.  George,)  was  his  companion  in  arms. 
The  former  was  slain  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  on  the  mem- 
orable 6th  of  July,  1814,  and  his  remains  were  buried  with 
military  honors  roav  fne  spot  Avhere  he  closed  his  earthly  ca- 
reer, and  there  still  remain,  in  a  foreign  land,  "  unwept,  un- 
honored  and  unsung  ;"  no  marble  tells  their  resting  place. 
At  the  approach  of  a  contest  at  arms  in  1814,  General  Por- 
ter, who  had  the  confidence  of  the  New-York  Indians  in  a  re- 
markable degree,  came  down  to  Ononda>i,?.  and  solicited  their 
cooperation  in  the  war.     A  council  of  the  nation  was  held  at 
Cayuga,  at  which  it  was  resolved  to  aid  the  Americans.     A 
subsequent  council  of  all  the  Six  Nations  was  called  at  Buffa- 
lo.    The  Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas,  were 
represented, — the  Mohawks  did  not   appear, — they  had  al- 
ready pledged  themselves  to  their  ancient  ally,  the  crown  of 
Great  Britain,     The  Mohawks  on  all  previous  occasions  had 
furnished  the  chief  war  captain  of  the  confederacy.     A  grave 
question  tirose  in  this  council,  as  to  which  nation  should  now 
be  entitled  to  this  distinguished  honor.     Claims  were  set  up 
by  all  the  nations  represented ;  debate  ran  high,  none  seemed 
willing  to  yield  the  point,  till  at  length  Sagoyawatha,  (Red 
Jacket,")  with  a  magnanimity  unparalleled,  arose  in  the  majes- 
ty of  his  might,  and  eloquently  declared  his  sentiments  in  fa- 
vor of  the  Onondagas.     He  was  seconded  by  various  other 


'•  M 


m 
'II 

Hist 

■  5» 


'Kit 


'1-ilPi 


>  ! 


320 


ONONDAGA. 


chiefs  who  ha(i  not  yet  spoken,  and  Iloh-a-hao-qua,  was  select- 
ed.    He  manfully  responded  to  the  call,  saying,  "  I  am  ready 
to  lead  the  brave  men  of  our  nations  where  duty  calls,  and  if 
necessary,  to  shed  the  last  drop  of  my  blood  for  the  good  of 
the  cause  we  have  now  embraced."     Under  their  newly  select- 
ed leader,  the  Onondagas  and  Senecas  crossed  the  lines,  pre- 
pared for  battle,  and  honorably  sustained  themselves  through 
out  the  fight.     Previous  to  his  death,  Hoh-a-hoa-qua  had  a 
presentiment  of  its  approach.     He  said  to  those  around  him, 
"  I  shall  perish  here ;  this  ground  will  be  red  with  my  blood  '' 
a  prediction  literally  fulfilled.  ' 

The  Onondagas  followed  the  fortune  of  war,  and  at  Lun- 
dy's  Lane  were  engaged  as  scouts,  not  entering  into  the  hot- 
test of  that  sanguinary  conflict.     These  were  the  last  battle- 
fields on  which  the  Onondagas  Avere  engaged.     Their  services 
on  the  frontier  and  in  an  enemy's  country,  (they  claim)  have 
never  been  duly  appreciated,  and  the  scanty  pittance  meted 
for  their  services,  is  but  a  common  illustration  of  the  grati- 
tude and  magnanimity  of  powerful  nations  towards  the  weaker. 
_  By  the  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix,  held  1784,  the  several  na- 
tions gave  hostages  for  their  good  behavior,  and  were  confined 
and  restricted  to  the  lands  then  actually  occupied  by  thorn  re- 
spectively, being  all  the  country  west  of  the  "  Old  Property 
Line,"  except  certain  reserves  at  Oswego  and  along  the  Nia- 
gara River.     Subsequently  in  1788,  the  Onondagas,  by  a 
treaty  made  at  Fort  Stanwix,  Avith  the  State  of  New  York, 
relinquished  all  title  to  their  lands,  except  about  ten  miles' 
square  around  their  castle  and  contiguous  to  it.     They  also 
yielded  one  half  of  their  right  to  all  the  salt  springs  on  their 
reservation,  and  eventually  surrendered  the  whole.     For  these 
benefits,  seventeen  hundred  dollars  was  paid  in  hand,  and  an 
annuity  of  five  hundred  dollars  was  granted  them,  which  was 
regularly  paid  by  the  State  of  New- York.     By  the  treaty  of 
Onondaga  of  1793,  and  the  treaty  of  Cayuga  Ferry,  1795, 
and  the  treaties  of  Albany  of  1817  and  1822,  their  territory 
was  further  reduced  to  its  present  limits,  about  three  and  a 
half  miles  long  by  two  miles  broad,  for  an  equivalent  by  an 


graces  which 
scale  of  ratio 
some  worthy 
may  be  done, 
they  now  do,  i 
individual  anc 


p 


EARL  Y   HISTORY. 


321 


increased  annuity  of  one  thousand  dollars.  This  domain  they 
at  present  occupy  in  comparative  comfort.  Their  present  an- 
nuity is  twenty-four  hundr'ed  dollars  ;  the  resident  population, 
three  hundred  and  thirteen ;  emigrated  to  the  Alleghany  and 
Cataraugus  Reservations,  some  two  hundred.  There  arc  also 
residing  among  the  Onondagas,  of  other  luitions  not  entitled 
to  the  henefits  of  the  annuity,  about  fifty.  ' 

The  general  cliaractcr  aud  condition  of  the  Onondagas  as 
ii  body  at  this  day,  is  not  remarkable  either  for  industry,  thrift, 
perseverance,  temperance,  or  any  of  those  higher  virtues  and 
graces  which  tend  to  exalt  and  elevate  mankind  in  the  great 
scale  of  rational  being.  To  this  remark,  however,  there  are 
some  worthy  exceptions.  Much  needs  to  bo  done,  and  much 
may  be  done,  to  enable  them  to  take  a  much  higher  rank  than 
they  now  do,  in  every  thing  that  leads  to  human  happiness  and 
individual  and  nationa-l  aggrandizement, 


41 


■B^HRfl 

Hiin 

p"™ 

'p 

■ 

822 


ONONDAGA. 


I 


CHAPTER   X. 


REMINISCENCES. 


Aboriqinal  Names— Expedition  ok  Gol.  Van  Schaick  against  the  ONOVDAOig,    "'* 
n79— Revouitionaiiy  Incident,  1780— Bioorai'iiical  Sketch  of  Epuraim    k 

WeBSTKU— TEKAT1E8  WITH  THE  OnONDAGAS— MILITARY  TbACT, 

Ancient  Aboriginal  Names,  of  lakes,  streams  and  locali- 
ties, in  Onondaga  county  and  vicinity  :— 

Onondaga— written  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers  two  hundred 
years  ago,  Onontae  and  Onontague,  and  by  early  English   | 
writers,  Onontago,  Onondago,  Onondawgu  and  Onondaugua.    : 
The  interpretation  of  the  word  Onondaga,  has  been  variously 
given, as  "Under  the  Hill,  at  the  end  of  the  swamp,"  "the    ; 
swamp  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain."     But  from  the  best  in- 
formation we  have  obtained,  we  set  it  down  as  the  "  Residence 
of  the  People  of  the  Ililh;'  the  word  swamp  having  no  con- 
nection with  it.     By  the  ancient  Fathers  and  their  own  most 
distinguished  chiefs,  the  people  of  Onondaga  were  styled 
"The  Iroquois  Highlanders,"  "Men  of  the  Hills,"  "People 
of  the  Mountain,"  &c.     This  name  included  their  valley,  their 
hills,  and  the  ancient  scat  of  their  council-fire. 

Onondaga  Lake— was  called  by  the  Jesuits,  "  Genentaa." 
It  is  now  called  by  the  natives  Oh-nen-ta-ha.  Its  significa- 
tion we  have  boon  unable  to  ascertain.  Its  very  appropriate 
name,  and  the  one  by  which  it  is  at  present  most  commonly 
called  by  the  natives,  is  Kotchakatoo,  or  lake  surrounded  by 

salt  springs.  ^^  i         ? 

Onondaga  Creek— is  called  by  the  Indians,  Kah-yungk- 


wa-tah-toa.  < 
Library,  (by  '^ 
daqua."  Hec 
west  branch  ig 
through  a  deej 
ing  from  beti 
creek  and  ne 
Oh-na-ta-toom 
the  canal  and 
cuse,  it  is  cal 
water  goes  thi 

Outlet  op 
short  stream, 
to  the  Seneca 
Rigole,"  onac 
(Dr.  E.  B.  0' 

Onondaga  '. 
es  the  road. 

Onondaga  ' 
ell's  map  of  tl 
this  range  of  ] 
and  on  an  an 
Mountains." 

Otisco  Lak 
times  Otskah. 
Creek,  is  call 
is  Kia-heun-ta 
gives  "  Ustuka 

Skaneatel] 
long  lake.  Tl 
is  called  Ilanc 
or  hemlock  ere 
res."  Map  in 
eatdie  Lake. 
"Hananto." 

Oneida  Lai 
us  by  an  India 


REMINISCENCES. 


828 


English  I 
iaugua. 
iriously 
""the 
best  in- 
isidence 
no  con- 
vn  most 
I  styled  V 
'  People 
ay,  their 

lentaa." 
agnifica-  |, 
iropi'iate  f- 
•mnionly 
ndedby 


wa-tdh-toa.  On  a  map  in  the  New- York  Historical  Society's 
Library,  (by  Mr.  Thurber,  of  Utica,)  we  find  it  called,  "  Kun- 
daqua."  Heckewelder  calls  it  the  river  "  Zinochsaa."  The 
west  branch  is  called  by  the  Indians,  Swe-nugh-kee — cutting 
through  a  deep  gulf.  The  east  branch  is  called  Sta-a-ta — com- 
ing from  between  two  barren  knolls.  The  estuary  of  the 
creek  and  neighborhood  of  Syracuse,  was  formerly  called, 
Oh-na-ta-toonk — among  the  pines.  Since  the  completion  of 
the  canal  and  the  building  up  of  the  village  and  city  of  Syra- 
cuse, it  is  called  Kali-ya-hoo-neh — where  the  ditch  full  of 
water  goes  through. 

Outlet  of  Onondaga  Lake — is  called  So-hah-hee.  This 
short  stream,  which  issues  from  the  Onondaga  Lake  and  runs 
to  the  Seneca  River,  was  anciently  called  by  the  French,  "  La 
Rigole,"  on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  a  deep  cut  or  trench. 
(Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callaghan.) 

Onondaga  Hollow — Teuaheughwa — where  the  path  cross- 
es the  road. 

Onondaga  West  BiLL-KaJi-che-qua-ne-tmg-ta.  On  Mitch- 
ell's map  of  the  British  and  French  dominions  in  America, 
this  range  of  hills  is  called,  "  Tegerhunkserode  mountains," 
and  on  an  ancient  Dutch  map,  they  are  called  the  "  Table 
Mountains." 

Otisco  Lake — is  called  by  the  Indians,  Kaioongk,  some- 
times Otskah.  The  outlet  of  Otisco  Lake  and  Nine  Mile 
Creek,  is  called  Hoh-ste-kah.  Its  estuary  at  Onondaga  Lake 
is  Kia-heun-ta-ha.  Map  in  the  Historical  Society's  Library 
gives  "  Ustuka"  for  the  name  of  Nine  Mile  Creek. 

Skaneateles  Lake — is  called  Skehneahties,  meaning  very 
long  lake.  The  stream  that  leads  from  it  to  Seneca  River, 
is  called  Hanauttoo — water  running  through  thick  hemlocks, 
or  hemlock  creek.  Charlevoix'  map  gives  it  "  Lac  Scaneate- 
res."  Map  in  the  Historical  Society  Library  has  it  Skan- 
eatdie  Lake.  The  same  authority  gives  for  the  river  or  outlet 
"Hananto." 

Oneida  Lake. — Although  this  body  of  water  is  known  to 
us  by  an  Indian  name,  it  is  believed  the  natives  never  called 


324 


ONONDAGA. 


it  Oneida.  The  Onondagas  call  it  Sc-ui/h-kn — i.  c,  striped 
witli  bluo  and  wliite  linos,  separatinrr  and  coniin;:;  ton-ctlior 
again.  In  order  fully  to  comprehend  this  interpretation  and 
Hignification,  the  person  should  occupy  some  one  of  the  hii'ji 
grounds  of  Manlius  or  INnnpcy,  where  the  whole  extent  ol' 
this  lake  may  bo  distinctly  seen  some  ten  or  twelve  miles  dis- 
tant. At  particular  times  the  surface  presents  white  and  lihic 
lines  distinctly  traceable  from  its  head  :o  its  outlet.  At  sucli 
times  it  is  strikingly  beautiful,  and  its  Indian  name  peculiar- 
ly significant.  On  the  Jesuit  maps,  published  from  l(i)U  to 
1693,  Avhich  have  come  to  the  author's  notice,  this  lake  is 
coiled  "Lac  Techtroguen  dos  Onneiouts."  Charlevoix  has  it 
"Lac  Techiroguen."  Thur])cr's  map  has  it  "Kanoaloka 
Lake."  In  Capt.  Machin's  journal,  ho  calls  it,  "  Onida-ho-fjo 
Lake."  Wentworth  Greenhalgh,  wdio  visited  it  in  1677,  writes 
it  "Tsiroqui  Lake."  It  seems  to  have  been  known  to  the 
early  English  writers,  as  the  "  Oneidas' Lake,"  afterwards  tlie 
Oneida  Lake,  as  it  is  now  designated.  On  an  old  map  in  the 
Secretary  of  State's  office  at  Albany,  it  is  set  down  "  Ca- 
hung-hage"  Lake. 

Fort  Brewerton — Ohaahaunijtah-Scurjh'knh — Literally. 
where  the  waters  run  out  of  Oneida  Lake.  Pere  le  Mcrcier 
names  an  Oneida  village,  near  and  south  of  this  place,  called 
"  Ganayhsaragey,"  {Canasoraga  perhaps,)  and  an  English  au- 
thority (Lon.  Docs.)  locates  an  Indian  village  near  the  oudct 
of  Oneida  Lake,  called  "■Kaneenda." 

Oneida  River — Sah-eli. — Jesuits'  map,  "  Tethiroguen."— 
Thurber's  map,  "Taguneda." 

Turee-Rivrr-Poixt — Te-u-unq-hu-lra — meetinsi;  of  waters 
or  Avhere  two  rivers  meet. 

Cross  Lake — Te-^tngi-too — Thurber's  map,  "  Yuneendo:" 
Schoolcraft,  "Teonto" — signification,  residence  of  the  vise 
man.  There  is  a  singular  tradition  alive,  amoiig  the  Ononda- 
gas,  respecting  an  aged  and  very  wise  chief,  who  lived  on  tlie 
eastern  shore  of  this  lake  many  hundred  years  ago.  Ili^ 
name  was  Hiawatha. — {Sec  his  story,  page,   21.) 

TuLLY,    Fabius,    Truxton,    &c. — Tc-kanea-ta-lming-ne- 


xigli — Very  li 
water  flows  in 
lent  hunting 

I'OMl'EY    AJ 

much  grass — 
this  locality,  ; 
much  supersti 
lilood,  or  blooi 
It  has  been  sa 
They  certaiid^ 

LiMKSTUXK 

Tc-a-une-nog} 

wise,  a  strear 

through  whicl: 

BuTTERNU'i 

Ka-soongJc-ta- 
litcrally,  bark 
after  being  pe 
iiier,  and  thei 
winter,  or  tha 

Greex  Pon 
fled  with  toba 

Deep  Spri 
.spring.  Neai 
tlement  of  th( 
ern  fort,  surrc 
tioned  at  this 
door  of  the  m 

Cicero  Sw 
L'veat  swamp, 

Cazenovia 
iji'-lia-gah,  (Oi 
iish  swim,  or  3 
county,  and  w, 
Onondagas. 
uu  the  site  of 

ClIITTENAXi 


i 


REMINISCENCES. 


325 


m 


ugh — Very  high  hills,  with  many  small  lakes,  from  which 
water  flows  in  contrary  directions.  It  implies,  also,  an  excel- 
lont  hunting  ^'rouml. 

J'oMPKY  AND  La  VAYKriii—Otc-tje-f/a-Ja-Jce—a.  place  of 
much  grass — openings  or  praiiios.  Another  name  given  to 
this  locality,  not  often  repeated,  and  about  which  there  is 
much  superstitious  reserve,  is  Ote-ipich-snh-he-eh,  the  field  of 
Mood,  or  bloody  ground — a  place  where  many  have  been  slain. 
It  has  been  said,  that  no  Indian  ever  visits  this  neijibborhood. 
They  certainly  very  much  dislike  to  converse  about  it. 

Lr.MKSTONK  CiiEiiiK,  passing  through  Manlius — Indian  name, 
Te-a-unc-nogh'hc — the  angry  stream  or  Mad  Creek  ;  other- 
wise, a  stream  that  rises  suddenly,  overflowing  the  country 
through  which  it  passes. 

BuTTKRNUT  CUEEK,  passing  through  Do  Witt — Indian  name 
Ka-soongh-ta — formerly  called  by  the  whites,  "  Kashunkta;" 
literally,  barks  in  the  Avater,  or  a  place  where  barks  are  placed 
lifter  being  peeled  in  spring,  that  thoy  may  not  curl  in  sum- 
mer, and  thereby  become  unfit  for  covering  their  cabins  for 
winter,  or  that  they  may  always  be  in  readiness  for  use. 

Green  Pond,  in  the  town  of  De  Witt — Kai-yah-koo — satis- 
fied with  tobacco. — See  Be  Witt. 

Deep  Spuing — Te-ungh-sat-a-i/af/h — by  the  fort  at  the 
spring.  Near  this  spring  was  anciently  the  easternmost  set- 
tlement of  the  Onondngas.  Thoy  had  at  this  place  an  earth- 
ern  fort,  surrounded  with  palisades.  There  were  always  sta- 
tioned at  this  place  a  party  of  warriors,  to  hold  the  eastern 
door  of  the  nation. — Sec  Deep  Spring,  town  of  Manlius. 

CiCEKO  Swamp — Ka-nugh-wa-ka — where  the  rabits  run — 
L'reat  swamp,  where  is  plenty  of  game. 

Cazenovia  Lake — Iloh-wah-gc-neh  (Onondaga,) — 0-wah- 
fli'-Jia-gah,  (Oneida,).  Literally,  the  lake  where  the  yellow 
lish  swim,  or  yellow  perch  lake.  This  lake  is  in  Madison 
county,  and  w;is  anciently  a  fishing  ])laco  for  the  Oneid;is  and 
Onondagas.  The  Oneidns  had  a  small  village  on  the  east  side, 
oil  the  site  of  the  villa";e  of  Cazenovia,  extendin;'  north. 

CliiTTENANUO  Creek. — Pcre  Ic  Mercier,  in  11155,  calls   it 


'11#!M 


M 


m 

m^ 


826 


ONONDAGA. 


Ooionho.     Tho  same  authority  calls  a  fishing  place  near  Cross 
Lakk,  Kachnawaachftrc^o. 

OswKcjo  and  outlet  of  Oawcgo  River — called  by  tho  Onon- 
dagas,  Oah-wa-kef.  Literally,  I  see  every  where — nee  noth- 
ing. Charlevoix  calls  tho  river,  "  Riviere  des  Onnoiitagucs." 
Early  English  writers  call  it  tho  "  Onondagoes'  river,"  and 
eomotimes  the  outlet,  "  Sweege."  An  Indian  village,  at  the 
Oswego  Falls,  was  called  by  Mercier,  "  Quiehook,"  and  the 
ledge,  over  which  the  water  falls,  he  calls,  "Kagiiewagrage." 

Ontario  Lakk. — Tho  Onondaga::  called  this  lake,  and  do 
to  this  day,  (hhivakee.  The  Mohawks  called  it  Cadaraqui; 
the  Senocas,  Ohudeara.  Jesuit  map,  1H64,  it  is  sot  down 
"Lac  Ontario  ou  dea  Iroquois."  Jesuit  Relation,  KiGf),  haa 
it  Ondiara.  Father  Ilenepin,  "  Lac  Skanadario,"  or  beauti- 
ful lake.  Champlain,  1615,  calls  it  tho  Lake  of  the  Entou- 
honorons. 

Teoronto  Bay,  or  Jerundegut — called  by  the  Jesuit  Fa- 
thers, "  Audiatarontagat,"  KJOf).     Cheorontok,  (Onondaga.) 

SoDUS  Bay — Ganatio.     Osonodus — Jesuits. 

Cayuga  Lake — On  Jesuits'  map,  "Tiohcro  lac" — "Geju- 
goueu"  by  Charlevoix — "  Gwaugweh,"  Thurber's  map. 

Cayuga  Marshes — Squagonna. 

Seneca  River — Thiohero,  or  River  of  Rushes — Jesuits' 
map  and  Relation,  16G8-9.  Charlevoix,  gives  the  same.  The 
lake  bears  the  same  name  by  the  same  authority. 

Besides  the  maps,  books,  &c,  which  have  been  consulted  in 
order  to  prepare  the  foregoing  list  of  Indian  names  of  locali- 
ties, the  author  acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to  the  late  In- 
dian chiefs,  Capt.  Frost  and  La  Fort,  for  much  valuable 
assistance. 

Many  of  the  foregoing  names  are  given  in  other  places, 
but  for  convenience  and  reference,  it  has  been  thought  best 
to  give  them  a  place  by  themselves. 


EXPEDITIOI 

OAS,  177J)  :— 
The  shockii 
and  1778,  by 
savage  than  I 
tiers,  had  irr( 
dod  motivtm  o 
national  intei 
in  the  VVyom 
waste,  and  ilu 
and  their  still 
then  hovering 
Brant,  Johnsc 
on  tho  watch, 
nary  atrocitie 
So  alarming  I 
apprehended 
most  western 
Tlio  Indian 
palling  a  char 
raander-iu-chi( 
force  than  ha( 
thiit  part  of  t 
early  part  of 
the  science  o 
suaded  of  the 
sivc  frontier  o 
of  forts  whict 
country  would 
than  defensiv 
rapid  moveme 
force  sufficien 
towns,  provide 
his  making  a 
contingent  pa: 
duction  of  th< 
gave  them  an 


*-m 


RKMINISCF.NCES. 


327 


Expedition  op  Col.  "Van  Schaick  against  the  Ononda- 
OAS,  177J)  :— 

Tho  Hhocking  barburitios  practicod  during  tho  years  1777 
and  177H,  by  tho  Indians,  united  with  white  men,  still  more 
savage  than  Indians,  on  tho  inhabitants  of  tho  western  fron- 
tiers, had  irresistil'iy  attracted  tho  public  attenlion,  and  ad- 
ded motives  of  mingled  resentment  and  humanity  to  those  of 
national  interest.  The  beautiful  and  thriving  settlements 
in  the  Wyoming  Valley  and  Cherry  Valley,  had  been  laid 
waste,  and  tlieir  inhabitants  massacred  by  the  ruthless  savages 
and  their  still  more  ruthless  coadjutors,  the  IJritish  and  tories, 
then  hovering  around  our  borders,  under  the  direction  of 
Brant,  Johnson  and  tho  Sutlers.  These  leaders,  continually 
on  tho  watch,  were  successful  in  committing  tho  most  sangui- 
nary atrocities  on  tho  settlements  along  the  Mohawk  River. 
So  alarming  had  these  irruptions  become,  that  it  was  fearfully 
apprehended  that  Schenectady  would  speedily  stand  as  tho 
most  western  boundary  of  the  frontier  settlements. 

Tho  Indian  depredations  became  so  frequent,  and  of  so  ap- 
palling a  character  to  the  frontier  inhabitants,  that  tho  com- 
mander-in-chief soon  found  it  necessary  to  employ  a  larger 
force  than  had  been  heretofore  spared,  for  tho  protection  of 
that  part  of  the  country.  General  Washington,  v/ho  in  the 
early  part  of  his  life  had  received  many  practical  lessons  in 
the  science  of  Indian  warfare,  had  been  always  firmly  per- 
suaded of  tho  absolute  impossibility  of  defending  our  exten- 
sive frontier  on  the  west  from  their  incursions,  by  any  chain 
of  forts  which  could  bo  erected  and  garrisoned  ;  and  that  the 
country  would  be  much  more  certainly  protected  by  offensive 
than  defensive  operations.  Ilis  plan  was  to  penetrate  by 
rapid  movements  into  the  heart  of  tho  Indian  country,  with  a 
force  sufficient  at  once  to  accomplish  the  destruction  of  their 
towns,  provided  the  circumstances  of  the  army  would  justify 
ilis  making  a  detachment  sufficient  for  the  purpose.  As  a 
contingent  part  of  this  plan,  he  had  also  contemplated  the  re- 
duction of  the  British  post  at  Niagara,  the  possession  of  which 
gave  them  an  almost  irresistible  influence  over  the  Six  Na- 


*. 


328 


ONONDAGA, 


tions.  This  plan  constituted  one  of  the  various  subjects  of 
conference  with  the  committee  of  Congress  in  Thiladelphiu, 
and  received  the  entire  approbation  of  that  body.  New-Yorlc ' 
Massachusetts,  Pennsylvania  and  Connecticut  respectively 
applied  to  Congress  for  aid,  urging  the  adoption  at  once  of 
the  most  vigorous  measures.  A  committee  was  a])pointed  to 
confer  with  General  Washingtan,  and  in  conformity  with  their 
report,  Congress  resolved,  "That  the  commander-in-chief  bo 
directed  to  take  efTicicnt  measures  for  the  protection  of  the 
inhabitants  and  chastisement  of  the  savages,"  Other  reso- 
lutions were  passed  at  tJie  same  time  for  nUsing  companies  of 
rangers,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  serving  on  the  western  fron- 
tiers. 

The   Indian   settlements   were   extensive   throughout   the 
western  part  of  New  York,  and  from  their  long  intercourse 
with  the  whites,  had  made  considerable  advances  in  civiliza- 
tion.    In  their  populous  villages  were  to  be  seen  many  com- 
fortable houses,  and  their  fertile  fields  and  orchards  yielded  an 
abundant  supply  of  corn   and  fruit.     So.ne  of  the  Oneidas 
were  attached  to  tlie  United  States,  but  generally,  the  Six 
Nations  were  entirely  under  British  influence,  fro'm  whose 
posts  m  die  lakes  they  received  supplies  of  blankets,  rum. 
arms,  and  other  imported  articles.     ]\Iany  loyalists  who  had 
])een  forced  to  quit  their  country,  had  taken  refuge  among 
them^  and  added  to  their  strength,  without  diminishing  tlirir 
ferocity.     They  found  an  asylum  among  the  Indians^  lived 
with  them  in  their  villages,  and  urged  them  on  in  iheir  expe- 
ditions against  the  Americans.     Against  these  congregated 
bands  it  was  determined  lo  lead  a  force  which  jdiould"be''suffi- 
cient  at  once  to  crush  any  force  they  could  possibly  bring  into 
the  field,  and  effectually  destroy  their  ^lllagerf.     The  comitry 
was  to  be  entered  by  three  divisions  at  the  same  time,  the 
whole  to  be  under  the  orders  of  General  James  Clinton.    :riie 
principal  body,  to  consist  of  about  three  thousand  men,  was 
to  proceed  up  the  Susquehanna,  and  penetrate  the  heart  of 
the  country  occupied  by  the  Senecas.     The  second,  of  about 
one  thousand  men,  was  to  move  up  the  Mohawk  liivcr,  and 


men,  was  to 

towns  in  thai 

secrecy  were 

real  destinat 

success  woul 

Demonstrati( 

da,  while  the 

enterprise  re 

was  greedily 

this  time  the : 

can  army,  wl 

the  whole  pla 

ergies,  autho 

and  other  dis 

been  restored 

cation  of  the 

grand  expedii 

though  of  les 

out  with  the 

Onondagas,  o 

about  fift}^  in 

within  the  re;; 

place.     A  pla 

approved  by 

assisted  by   I 

marched  from 

April,  at  the 

the  mornin<i;  ( 

pedition  Avas  i 

Indians  at  Fo 

army  had  pre 

Proceeding  wi 

tenor  of  tluMr 

ter.    Colonel  '^ 

reached  the  jd 

Schaick  and 


REMINISCENCES. 


829 


destroy  the  Cayugas ;  and  the  third,  of  about  five  hundred 
men,  was  to  move  up  the  Alleghany  River  and  attack  the 
towns  in  that  quarter.     In  carrying  out  this  plan,  address  and 
secrecy  were  re(iuire(l,  iu  order  to  ensure  success,  for  had  the- 
real  destination  of  the  expedition  been  publicly  known,  its 
success  would  have   been   attended    with  greater  difficulty. 
Demonstrations  were  made  of  a  design  to  march  against  Cana- 
da, while  the  most  active  preparations  were  making  for  the 
enterprise  really  contemplated,  and  every  item  of  information 
was  greedily  seized  which  could  facilitate  its  execution.    About 
this  time  the  most  alarming  discontents  broke  out  in  the  Ameri- 
can army,  which  very  near  had  the  effect  to  entirely  frustrate 
the  whole  plan  of  the  expedition.     It  required  the  whole  en- 
ergies, authority  and  reputation  of  the  commander-in-chief, 
and  other  distinguished  officers,  to  quiet  them.     Order  having 
been  restored,  preparations  Avere  made  for  the  immediate  exe- 
cution of  the  plan.     But  before  the  troops  destined  for  the 
grand  expedition  were  put  in  motion,  an  important  enterprise, 
though  of  less  extent,  was  undertaken,  and  attended  through- 
out with  the  most  complete  success.     The  settlements  of  the 
Onondagas,  one  of  the  nearest  of  the  hostile  nations,  lying 
about  fifty  miles  from  Fort  Schuyler,  were  supposed  to  be 
within  the  reach  of  a  detachment  from  the  garrison  of  that 
place.     A  plan  ha\  ing  been  formed  by  General  Schuyler,  and 
approved  by  the  commander-in-chief,  Colonel  V^an  Schaick, 
assisted  by   Lieutenant  Colonel  Willet  and  Major  Cochran,, 
marched  from  Fort  Schuyler  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of 
April,  at  the  head  of  between  five  and  six  hundred  men.    On 
the  morning  of  their  departure  it  was  announced  that  the  ex- 
pedition was  destined  to  make  an  attnck  upon  Oswego.     All 
Indians  at  Fort  Schuyler  were  detained  tliere,  till  the  little 
army  had  proceeded   beyond  the  reach  of  their  espionaf/e. 
Proceeding  with  great  dispatch  and  secrecy,  according  to  tlie 
tenor  of  thfMr  instructions,  partly  by  land  and  jiartly  by  wa- 
ter.   Colonel  Van  Scliaick,  on  tlie   tliird  day  of  his  niarch, 
reached  the  place  of  destination.     The  route  of  Colonel  Van 
Schaick  and  his  party,   was  from   Fort   Schuyler  to  Wood 

41,' 


,(:•':* 


■'i'  'i  . ' 


J<.  —Ml^- 


330 


ONONDAGA. 


f 


Creek  by  land,  thence  down  the  creek  and  Oneida  Lake  to 
old  Fort  Brewerton,  v?hich  place  the  party  reached  on  the  af- 
ternoon of  the  20th.  Opposite  to  this  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river,  this  little  army  landed,  leaving  a  suitable  guard  with 
the  boats.  Tlie  remainder  of  the  party  proceeded  rapidly 
across  the  country,  now  Cicero  and  Clay,  and  the  first  night 
encamped  about  nine  miles  south  of  Fort  Brewerton,  in  the 
'densely  tangled  forest,  in  a  marshy,  unforbidding,  uncomfor- 
table spot.  The  night  was  dark,  wet,  cold  and  dreary,  and 
fearful  their  wary  enemy  might  catch  a  glimpse  of  their  camp- 
fires  if  made,  those  important  auxiliaries  to  a  soldier's  comfort 
were  dispensed  with.  For  fear  of  surprise,  the  soldiers  lay 
upon  their  arms.  The  march  waa  resumed  early  the  next 
morning  ;  and  the  little  army,  after  a  march  of  much  suffer- 
ing and  fatigue,  soon  arrived  at  the  Onondaga  Lake,  without 
being  discovered.  The  spot  where  they  first  approached  the 
lake  was  at  Green  Point.  They  then  proceeded  cautiously 
along  the  shore  of  the  lake,  built  a  log  bridge  across  Mud 
Creek,  a  little  north  of  Salina,  the  remains  of  which  were 
in  existence  in  1794.  Near  this  bridge  Mr.  Thomas  Whee- 
ler, several  years  since,  found  a  gun  barrel  supposed  to  have 
been  lost  by  some  soldier  belonging  to  the  expedition.  Their 
course  was  then  to  the  mouth  of  the  Onondaga  Creek,  which 
stream  was  not  at  this  season  of  the  jear  fordable,  and  all 
passed  over  in  single  file,  on  the  trunk  of  a  large  sycamore 
tree,  which  had  long  been  used  by  the  Indians  as  a  foot  bridge. 
Captain  Graham,  of  the  advanced  guard,  here  captured  one 
of  the  warriors  of  the  Onondagas,  which  was  the  first  Indian 
seen  on  their  whole  route.  Here  scouts  from  the  Indians  ac- 
cidentally and  unexpectedly  came  upon  them,  and  instantly 
spread  the  alarm  among  the  neighboring  hamlets.  At  this 
time,  as  on  a  former  occasion,  the  Indians  pursued  the  retreat- 
ing policy,  and  made  but  a  feeble  show  of  resistance.  Cap- 
tain Graham  was  ordered  to  advance  with  all  possible  rapidity 
and  caution,  for  the  purpose  of  surrounding  the  principal  vil- 
lage, and  the  remainder  of  the  forces  were  divided  into  small 
parties  for  the  purpose  of  surrounding  the  other  villages,  and 


if  possible  t 
neous  rush  ^ 
of  the  Onor 
lets  extendii 
was  quite  t< 
The  alarm  h 
overtake  the 

A  skirmis 
side  of  the  1 
swamp  east\ 
only  show  oi 
themselves  i: 
the  warriors 
struction  of 
submission, 
says,  "  the  u 
of  the  settle 
having  been 
and  the  towi 
dians  escape 
ty-four,  inch 
though  this  I 
have  a  tradit 
and  that  was 
net,  and  afte: 
a  tree.  The 
and  the  hors 
dred  guns  w( 
tlement  was 
and  a  brass  i 

This  batth 
the  settlemei 
steps  by  rccr 
upon  them  a: 
by  Lieutenar 
The  day  upo 
ment  was  mi 


,  l{ 


REMINISCENCES. 


381 


if  possible  to  secure  the  whole  at  a  single  dash.  A  simulta- 
neous rush  was  made  execute  these  orders,  but  the  celerity 
of  the  Onondaga  wai  .jrs  was  too  groat.  The  chain  of  ham- 
lets extending  from  the  Onondaga  Lake,  near  ten  miles  south, 
was  quite  too  extensive  to  be  surrounded  by  numbers  so  small. 
The  alarm  had  been  given ;  they  had  fled,  and  no  foe  could 
overtake  them. 

A  skirmish  was  fought  near  Mickle's  Furnace,  on  the  west 
side  of  the  hollow,  and  the  Onondagas  were  pursued  into  the 
swamp  eastward  of  there,  with  a  trifling  .loss.  This  was  the 
only  show  of  fight  made.  The  women  and  children  secreted 
themselves  in  the  neighboring  forests,  and  thus  escaped,  while 
the  warriors  hung  around  and  witnessed  the  burning  and  de- 
struction of  their  villages  and  property,  with  the  most  stoical 
submission.  The  official  account  of  Colonel  Van  Schaick, 
says,  "  tiie  utmost  address  was  used  in  surrounding  as  many 
of  the  settlements  as  possible  at  t^e  same  time :  but  the  alarm 
having  been  given  on  the  first  appearance  of  the  Americans, 
and  the  towns  being  of  considerable  extent,  many  of  the  In- 
dians escaped  into  the  woods.  Twelve  were  killed,  and  thir- 
ty-four, including  one  white  man,  were  made  prisoners."  Al- 
though this  statement  is  undoubtedly  correct,  yet  the  Indians 
have  a  tradition  that  the  Americans  killed  only  one  person, 
and  that  was  a  papoose,  which  a  soldier  stabbed  with  a  bayo- 
net, and  after  twirling  the  innocent  in  the  air,  dashed  it  against 
a  tree.  The  houses  and  provisions  were  consumed  by  fire, 
and  the  horses  and  other  stock  were  killed.  About  one  hun- 
dred guns  were  broken  or  otherwise  ruined,  and  the  whole  set- 
tlement was  utterly  destroyed,  Avith  a  quantity  of  ammunition 
and  a  brass  swivel,  which  was  mounted. 

This  battle  was  on  the  21st,  and  after  the  destruction  of 
the  settlement  and  property,  the  little  army  retraced  their 
steps  by  recrossing  the  creek.  A  small  party  of  Indians  fired 
upon  them  after  they  had  crossed.  They  were  driven  back 
by  Lieutenant  Evans'  rifle  corps,  with  the  loss  of  one  killed. 
The  day  upon  which  this  attack  upon  the  Onondaga  settle- 
ment was  made  was  cloudy,  attended  with  a  drizzling  rain. 


332 


ONONDAGA, 


on 


The  army  encamped  on  the  bank  of  the  Onondarra  Lake 
tlie  night  of  the  21st. 

The  precise  spot  where  Colonel  Van  Schaick  passed  the 
night,  on  the  shore  of  the  Onondiiga  Lake  is  urilaiowi),  hut 
from  the  circumstance  of  there  being  an  old  picket  work,  and 
an  excellent  spring  of  Avater  a  little  below  Green  l*oint,  it  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  it  might  have  been  there  ;  at  all 
events,  it  Avas  some  where  on  the  high  ground  between  Salina 
and  Liverpool. 

On  the  '2'2d,  they  marched  to  Fort  Brewerton,  and  finding 
their  bateaux  in  good  order,  proceeded  to  one  of  the  Islands 
seven  or  eight  miles  from  Jin^verton,  encamped  for  the  night, 
and  next  day  proceeded  to  Wood  Creek,  and  the  day  follow- 
ing, the  L'4th,  entered  Fort  Schuyler  at  12  j\L,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  only  five  days  and  a  half. 

Thus  having  completely  effected  the  object  of  the  expedi- 
tion, the  detaehmetit  returned  to  Fort  Schuyler  without  the 
loss  of  a  single  man.  For  this  handsome  display  of  talents 
as  a  partizan  oiHcor,  the  thanks  of  Congress-,  were  voted  to 
Colonel  A^an  Schaick,  and  the  ofhcers  and  soldiers  under  his 
command.  Althoiigh  the  exjiedition  had  been  completely  suc- 
cessful, and  from  it  the  most  propitious  results  were  expected 
to  follow,  yet  it  had  not  the  efieet  to  conquer  the  indomita- 
ble spirit  of  the  Onondag-as.  Revenge  was  a  morsel  too  sweet 
for  these  warlike  and  liaughty  people  to  sacrifice  and  stifle, 
for  wrongs  so  boldly  inflicted  upon  them.  This  malignant 
passion  burned  in  their  bosoms  with  renewed  fervor,  and  an 
opportunity  was  only  wanted,  to  enable  them  to  glut  their  ven- 
geance to  the  utJiiost.  it  was  a  matter  to  tliem,  of  too  seri- 
ous consequence  to  be  piissed  over  lightly.  Thev  were  lired 
with  the  strongest  indignation  at  the  destruction  of  their  vil- 
lages, and  tiie  extinguislnnent  of  the  national  council-lire, 
which  for  untold  ages  had  l)urned  upon  their  sacred  hearth. 

An  opportunity  soon  offered  itself,  and  three  hundreil  braves 
were  upon  the  Avar-path.  Oundiaga  is  said  to  have  command- 
ed this  party.  They  proceeded  stealthily  to  the  Mohawk  Val- 
ley, and  suddenly  fell  upon  a  German  settlement  called  Cobles- 


kill,  defeate 
the  ollicer  a; 
obstinate  an 
the  Onondai 
casion.  Tli 
and  tlieir  vei 
icans  was  ru 
Avar,  renderi 
! y  avenged  t 
Onondagas. 

An  L\cii 
tionary  war, 
tlie  Mohawk 
tlements,  an 
ants  of  tiic 
neighborhoo 
sociates  as  ( 
quently  asse 
place  of  ren 
and  Oneida 
scene  of  the 
mit,  and  all 
;ind  pass  ov 
tlie  mischief 
a  safe  retrea 

On  one  of 
scji  and  Bra 
the  Island  ( 
men,  mostly 
iceted  Avith  j 
thev  Avere  cc 
ileeds  of  the 
der  their  res 
in  bateaux  t 
and  Oneida 
stream  about 


R  E  M  1 1\  1  H  (;  ]■]  N  C  E  S  . 


333 


kill,  (lofiiiitcd  a  Cii[)tain's  coinniaiid  sent  against  them,  killing 
the  oilicer  and  mast  of  his  uion.  The  fight  was  protnicted, 
ohstinate  and  bloody,  and  resulted  in  a  fomplcto  triumph  of 
the  Onondagas,  Avho  lost  hut  two  men  an  tliis  memorahle  oc- 
easion.  Their  (Irooj)ing  siiirils  were  in  a  measure  revived, 
and  their  vengeance  fully  glutted.  Their  hatred  for  the  Amer- 
ieans  was  not  diminished,  and  through  the  remainder  of  the 
war,  rendered  the  British  essential  serviee.  Thus  was  sirrnal- 
1  y  avenged  the  expedition  of  Colonel  Van  Sehaick  against  the 


Onondagas. 


An  Incident  of  tjih  j{r:voi.iTrox.~J)uring  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  at  that  period  when  the  Johnsons,  Hutlers,  and 
the  Mohawk  chieftain,  Bra)it,  were  rnvaging  our  frontier  set- 
tlements, and  spreading  terror  and  alarm  iimong  the  iidiahit- 
ants  of  the  Mohawk  Valley,  Cherry  Valley  aitd  Wyoming 
neigld)orhoods,  the  tories  and  Indians,  with  such  Canadian  as-" 
soeiates  as  could  he  suddenly  called  into  serviee,  would  fre- 
(|uently  assemhle  at  Niagara,  Oswego,  or  some  other  convenient 
place  of  rendezvoxis,  pass  up  the  Oswego  and  Oneida  Ilivers, 
and  r)neida  Lake,  to  a  suitahle  landing  place,  as  near  the 
scene  of  their  anticipated  operations  as  prmlenee  would  per- 
mit, and  allow  them  to  escape  ol)ser\ation  ;  then  disembark, 
and  pass  over  land  to  the  Tryon  comity  settlements,  do  all 
the  mischief  possible,  return,  hurry  into  their  boats,  and  effect 
a  safe  retreat,  by  the  route  over  which  tlioy  had  advanced. 

On  one  of  these  occasions,  in  October,  17<S0,  Sir  John  John- 
so!i  and  Brant  had  collected  a  body  of  forces  at  La  Chien,  on 
the  Island  of  Montreal,  consisting  of  about  twelve  hundred 
men,  mostly  Canadians  and  Lidians.  These  bands  were  col- 
lected with  great  secrecy  and  the  motley  materials  of  which 
they  -were  composed,  rendered  them  capable  of  accomplishing 
deeds  of  the  darkest  die.  After  their  organization,  hey,  un- 
der their  respective  leaders,  ascended  the  River  St.  Lawrence 
in  bateaux  to  Lake  Ontario,  thence  to  Oswego,  up  the  Oswego 
and  Oneida  Rivers,  to  the  Chittenango  Creek,  ascending  that 
stream  about  six  miles,  where  they  landed  on  the  east  bank,  at 


Stf 


: ' 


■^.H 


834 


ONONDAGA. 


a  short  bend,  opposite  to  what  is  now  lot  number  one  hundred 
township  of  Cicero.  This  spot  was  undoubtedly  selected,  not 
only  for  its  contiguity  to  the  scene  of  their  expected  operations 
and  for  its  seclusion,  but,  was  probably  as  near  as  they  could 
approach  Fort  Schuyler,  without  alarming  the  garrison  there 
which  was  at  all  times  extremely  watchful  of  these  marauding 
parties.  After  landing,  they  proceeded  to  put  in  good  repair 
the  palisade  enclosure,  which  had  been  first  erected  on  some 
former  expedition.  A  sufficient  guard  was  left  to  protect  the 
boats,  and  such  stores  as  were  not  needed  through  the  remain- 
der of  the  expedition,  and  then  the  party  crossed  the  country 
to  Schoharie,  where  they  were  joined  by  the  tories  in  that  re- 
gion. This  little  army  was  furnished  with  some  pieces  of 
light  cannon,  which  were  transported  through  the  country  on 
pack  horses,  aud  were  somewhat  serviceable  in  their  predatory 
attacks  and  rapid  advances.  After  reenforcing  their  number 
with  as  many  as  eould  be  induced  to  join  their  ranks,  they 
proceeded  to  the  Mohawk  valley,  where  ruin,  desolation  and 
death,  seemed  to  mark  their  progress.  Such  was  the  secrecy 
of  their  movements,  and  the  suddenness  of  their  approach, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  were  completely  taken  by 
surprise,  panic  stricken  and  amazed.  After  doing  immense 
damage  by  murder,  pillage  and  fire,  the  retreat  of  the  hostile 
party  was  as  hasty  and  precipitate  as  their  advance  had  been 
unexpected  and  surprising. 

The  Americans  mustered  under  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
who  pursued  the  enemy  as  far  as  Clocksfield  ;  and  in  a  slight 
engagement  at  that  place,  gained  a  decided  advantage  over 
them ;  and,  had  General  Van  Rensselaer  followed  up  that  ad- 
vantage with  the  spirit  and  energy  the  circumstances  seemed  to 
require,  in  all  probability,  the  entire  force  under  Johnson  and 
Brant,  would  have  been  captured ;  but  he  retreated  in  the 
moment  of  victory.  In  the  meantime,  however,  General  Van 
Rensselaer,  having  ascertained  where  Sir  John's  boats  were 
concealed,  had  dispatched  a  messenger  to  Fort  Schuyler, 
with  a  statement  of  the  facts  and  circumstances  relative  to  the 
movements  of  the  hostile  party.     Whereupon  Captaiji  Vroo- 


man  was  di 
hasten  on  a 
of  landing, 
his  orders, 
ers,  and  sin 
to  decamp, 
Sir  John  b( 
of  Butler's 
forward,  to 
By  extra  e 
and  unawar 
to  depart,  a 
surprised  t 
whole  partj 
were  highly 
of  cannon  si 
oners  were 
number  fell 
poor  fellow 
gauntlet.  . 
parallel  line 
them,  and  i 
with  a  deter 
after  which 
and  subseipj 
literally  roa 
spective  lea; 
great  difficu 
men  have  I 
unfortunate 
and  was  well 
Here  it  ma;) 
was  divided 
by  their  res 
Bear.  It  is 
of  Mohawks 


REMINISCENCES. 


886 


man  was  dispatched  with  a  strong  detachment,  and  ordered  to 
hasten  on  and  destroy  the  boats  and  stores  left  at  the  place 
of  landing.     Ho  lost  no  time  in  attempting  the  execution  of 
his  orders,  and  succeeded  so  far  as  to  make  the  guard  prison- 
ers, and  sink  all  their  boats  except  two,  in  which  they  intended 
to  decamp,  and  destroyed  all  their  military  stores.     It  seems 
Sir  John  became  apprized  of  Vrooman's  movement.     A  party 
of  Butler's  rangers,  with  some  of  Brant's  Indians,  were  pushed 
forward,  to  intercept,  if  possible,  Vrooman  and  his  little  band. 
By  extra  exertion  and  forced  marches,  they  came  suddenly 
and  unawares  upon  Vrooman  and  his  party,  who  were  all  ready 
to  depart,  and  while  they  were  taking  their  dinner,  completely 
surprised  them,  and  without  firing  a  single  gun,  made  the 
whole  party  prisoners  of  war.     The  Indians  and  Canadians 
were  highly  exasperated  on  finding  their  boats  and  two  pieces 
of  cannon  sunk,  and  their  stores  rifled  and  spoiled.     Tlie  pris- 
oners were  treated  with  the  greatest  severity.     Three  of  their 
number  fell  immediate  victims  to  their  savage  cruelty.     On© 
poor  fellow  was  compelled,  bound  hand  and  foot,  to  run  the 
gauntlet.     After  being  forced  to  take  his  position  between  two 
parallel  lines  of  his  foes,  he  was  ordered  to  run  or  jump  through 
thera,  and  if  successful,  thereby  save  his  life.     He  started 
with  a  determined  resolution,  and  made  nine  astonishing  leaps, 
after  which  he  was  struck  down,  severely  beaten  with  clubs, 
and  subset^uently,  to  the  groat  satisfaction  of  his  tormentors, 
literally  roasted  alive.     Such  was  the  distance  of  these  re- 
spective leaps,  that  a  well  trained  unbound  Indian,  could  with 
great  difficulty  and  exertion,  perform  the  feat ;  several  white 
men  have  been  known  to  fail.     The  pine  tree  to  which  the 
unfortunate  man  Avas  tied,  was  standing  not  many  years  since, 
and  was  well  known  in  the  neighborhood,  as  tlie  "  Turtle  Tree.'' 
Here  it  may  be  noted,  tliat  eacli  of  the  original  Five  Nations 
was  divided  into  three  principal  clans  or  tribes,  distin^'uished 
by  their  respective  emblems,  the  Tortoise,  the  WoX'i  and  tlu' 
Bear.     It  is  supposed  that  it  was  a  party  of  the  Tortoise  c];!ii 
of  Mohawks  who  committed  this  massacre,  and  they  left  tln^ 
image  of  a  large  turtle  carved  on  the  tree,  not  only  to  desi"-- 


■i,  iiS. 


^'  ',1.1 


830 


ONONDAGA. 


nate  the  tree  at  whicli  tlio  man  was  buriiod,  but  the  tribe  also 
Avho  perpetrated  the  aet.     At  every  anniversary  of  this  event 
Indians  revisited  this  spot,  to  examine  the  tree  and  earefully 
renew  the  tracks  nia(h'  in  the  sand  by  the  unfortunate  man 
h(dd  a  sort  of  pow-wow  and  war  dance  around  a  circular  fire 
and  then  dis!i[»pear.     This  practice  was  continued  yearly  by 
the   Indians,  as  late  as    iSlo.     The  jA'rouud  upon  Avhich  this 
event  occurred,   is  about  two  miles   north   from  ^latthcws' 
Mills,  town  of  JManlius,  on  land  occupied  now  or  lately  by 
Mr.  Ezra  Tucker. 

John  Adams,  Es((.,  who  first  surveyed  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  lands  in  that  re<!;ion,  and  the  late  Judge  John 
KaowIcs,  who  first  settled  there  in  ISOa  or  LSOG,  saw  the 
pickets  then  stiindini;-,  and  they  occasionally  found  guns,  knives, 
hatchets,  bullets,  &c. :  and  at  high  water,  many  persons  have 
seen  whole  boats  and  fragments  of  boats,  driven  up  among  the 
lloodwood,  with  timbei's  vorv  little  if  any  decayed,  leaving 
more  than  presumptive  testimony  in  corroboration  of  the  facts 
before  stated,  on  the  authority  of  the  late  Mrs.  Storms,  of 
Sullivan,  who  was  a  prisoner  th.ere  at  the  time,  and  was  taken 
in  this  expedition  of  Johnson's  and  carried  into  Canada;  and 
of  a  man  who  was  one  of  Johnson's  party,  and  known  as 
Tory  Foster,  Avho,  in  former  years  was  a  resident  of  the  town 
of  Cicero,  and  a  fretiuent  visitor  to  his  friends  in  the  town 
of  Manlius. 

It  has  been  reported  that  Sir  John,  in  his  haste  to  retreat, 
lost  his  military  chest,  containing  a  considerable  amount  of 
specie,  in  attempting  to  cross  the  Canaseraga  Creek,  and 
many  fruitless  attempts  have  been  made  to  recover  it;  and 
whoever  passes  the  Canaser;iga  Outlet,  may  now  see  a  large 
curb,  which  has  been  sunk  for  that  purpose.  Several  unsuc- 
cessful attempts  have  been  nnule  to  discover  the  cannon  also. 

The  late  William  L.  Stone,  Esq.,  states  this  landing  to  have 
been  on  the  Onondaga  River,  (see  Stone's  Life  of  Brant)  but 
from  the  nature  of  the  country,  and  the  minute  circumstances 
here  related  from  sources  the  most  reliable,  from  persons  con- 


versant with  i 
is  believed  th; 
This  groun( 
event,  which  i 
alive  in  tho  cj 
truth  remain  i 

A   BlOGRAl 

first  white  pei 

county  of  Or 

was  one  of  sir 

our  readers  wi 

Hempstead,  ]t 

moved  into  the 

River,  in  Febi 

subject  of  this 

and  served  to  i 

service.     Afte 

toils  of  agricu] 

nation  of   Lis 

with  a  young  r 

with  the  Oneid 

theA\ar,  had  S( 

stock  of  goods 

place  of  destin; 

Leavitt  became 

persevered  and 

his  stock  of  go( 

to  become  a  si 

knowledge  of  tl 

and  application 

limited,  was  as  i 

have  been  expei 

He  was  prose: 

in  1784,  at  whic 

and  the  United 

<  ^s,   Onondagas 


REMINISCENCES. 


387 


vcrsant  with  tho  facts,  and  who  coukl  not  well  be  miBtaken,  it 
18  behoved  that  so  far,  his  statement  must  bo  erroneous. 

This  ground  has  evidently  been  tho  scene  of  many  a  strange 
event,  which  tradition  with  her  illusive  conjectures,  still  keeps 
ahvo  in  tho  excited  imaginations  of  many,  while  history  and 
truth  remain  silent. 

A  BioaRAPiiicAL  Sketch  op  Epuraim  Webster. The 

first  white  person  who  made  a  permanent  settlement  in  the 
county  of    Onondaga,  was  Ephraim  Webster.     As  his  life 
was  one  of  singularity  and  adventure,  we  propose  to  present 
our  readers  with  a  sketch.     He  was  born  1752,  in  the  town  of 
Hempstead,  New-Hampshire.     Ilis  father,  with  his  family, 
moved  into  the  State  of  New-York,  somewhere  near  the  North 
River,  in  February,  1773.     Sometime  in  the  year  1778   the 
subject  of  this  sketch  enlisted  in  the  army  of  the  United  States 
and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war,  making  about  three  years 
service.     After  the  war,  he  returned  to  his  home.     But  the 
toils  of  agriculture,  not  being  exactly  agreeable  to  the  incli- 
nation of   his  roving  disposition,  he  left  home  in  company 
with  a  young  man  named  Leavitt,  for  the  purpose  of  trading 
With  the  Oneida  Indians,  with  whom  he  had,  during  part  of 
thcA^ar,  had  some  little  intercourse.     They  laid  in  a  small 
stock  of  goods  at  Schenectady,  and  proceeded  on  to  their 
place  of  destination.     During  the  progress  of  their  journey 
Leavitt  became  discouraged   and  returned   home.     Webster 
persevered  and  finally  located  at  Oriskany,  where  he  exposed 
his  stock  of  goods  for  sale.     He  soon  learned  that  in  order 
to  become  a  successful  trader,  he   must  acjuire  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  Indian  language,  which  by  constant  practice 
and  application  he  soon  mastered.     His  trade  here,  though 
imitcd,  was  as  successful  as  could,  under  the  circumstances, 
nave  been  expected. 

He  was  present  at  the  great  council,  held  at  Fort  Stanwix, 
m  1784,  at  which  a  treaty  was  made  between  the  Six  Nations 
and  tho  United  States.  At  this  council,  the  Mohawks,  Onei- 
us,   Onondagas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas  were  represented. 

43 


i!:is 


338 


ONONDAGA. 


But  the  Scnccag  were  slow  in  coming  forward,  und  Webster 
was  .lispatchcd  for  thorn.  His  moHsaj^o,  it  is  said,  ran  tlius : 
"Til  ■  great  council  of  the  tiiirtcon  hres  has  been  a  long 
timo  Icindlod— four  of  tlio  great  Indian  nations,  have  laid  fuel 
on  tl  J  tire— tiic  great  pot  i*  alioady  boiling,  and  the  pottago 
cannot  be  cooked  (business  Oiuinot  proceed)  unless  their  breth- 
ren, the  Seneca s,  are  present.      They  are  desired  to  make 

haste." 

Ho  remained  two  years  at  Oriskany,  and  during  that  time 
made  several  excursions  with  the  Indiitp  b"- tersto  Onondaga. 
Webster  became  intimate,  and  ([uite  a  favorite  with  his  new 
neighbors,  the  Onondagas,  who  invited  him  to  come  out  and 
trade   ,vith  them.      The  invitation  was  cheerfully  accepted. 
Accordingly  in  the  spring  of  1780,  he  came  to  Onondaga,  in 
compauy^with  a  Scotchuuin,  named  Selkirk,  with  a  small 
bout  load  of   goods,  brought  from    Schenectady  by  water. 
They  erected  a  temporary  trading  house  on  the  east  bank  of 
the  Onondaga  creek,  near  where  it  empties  into  tlie  lake,  and 
there  exposed  their  stock  of  goods  for  sale.     This  spot  is  still 
pointed  out  by  the  Indians  as  Webster's  camp.     At  the  close 
of  the  season,  they  had  actiuired  a  rich  pack  of  furs.*    With 
these,  Webster  proceeded  to  New-York.     The  following  spring 
be   came   out   alone,   but   was    followed  by  two   other  tra- 
ders, whose  names  were  Campbell  and  Maiboe.     They  pro- 
ceeded up  the  creek,  to  the   Onondaga  Hollow.      Webster 
traded  at  his  old  location,  and  all  departed  again  in  autiimu 
to  make  sale  of  their  furs,     lie  pursued  this  euurse  for  seve- 
ral years,  but  from  this  time  made  it  a  point  to   winter  with 

his  new  friends. 

During  the  controversy  with  the  western  Indians,  whicli^so 
soon  followed  the  revolutionary  war,  between  the  years  178H 
and  1704,  he  was,  on  account  of  his  knowledge  of  Indian 
mannci  ,ind  language,  employed  to  gain  intelligence  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Miamis.     lie  was  fully  successful  in  his  inis- 

#  About  the  time  of  closing'  m[>  the  fall  trade.  Selkirk  was  taken  sick,  died  an.l 
was  buried  suiuewhere  on  ti.  bunk  of  the  lake„not  far  di.laul  from  the.r  trading 
Jioii!«e. 


sion,  report* 

employed,  i 

with  the  On 

by  the  Driti 

posed  to  be 

disguised. 

trusted  he  i 

spy.    In  ord 

expose  hinis( 

liquor,  and  t 

They  awakei 

harly  in  the 

ignorance ;  I 

no  advantage 

as  Avhen  the^ 

During  tin 

granted  to  hi 

of  the  Hollo 

Uved  Avith  an 

lot  of    land, 

finally  gruntc 

on  the  part  o 

Legislature  ii 

consistini;  of 

son  aihl  Davi 

for,  on  the  p; 

uf  New-York 

After  [he  ( 

after  this  grai 

name  of  Dan 

bad  a  family 

uving  ill  the  ( 

He   vas  in 

^^12,  with  Li 

-ed  of  lii  ^  w 

he  held  a  Ca]- 

New-York,  ar 


RKMINISCENCES. 


889 


Bion,  reported  to  tlie  satisfaction  of  those  by  whom  ho  was 
employed,  and  receiv:  1  a  suitable  reward,      lie  was  often 
with  the  Onoiidugua  at  Uswc^o,  while  the  fort  was  retained 
by  the  Jiriti.sii,  and  was,  by  tli.'  ollicers  of  the  f^arrison,  sup- 
posed to  be  a  full-))lood  Indian,  so  eomplotely  was  lie  usually 
dis/,'uised.     From  some  cause  or  other,  at  one  time  they  mis- 
trusted  he  was  a  white  man,  and  churned  him  with  being  a 
spy.    Ill  order  to  induce  him  to  declare  his  real  character,  or  to 
expose  hims(lf  in  some  way,  they  plied  him  freely  with  strong 
liquor,  and  then  used  every  device  to  efl'oct  their  purpose" 
They  awakened   him  suddeidy  from  sleep,  8;i luted  him  fami- 
liarly in  the  English  language,  of  which  he  expressed  entire 
ignorance ;  being  always  guarded  and  prepared,  they  gained 
no  advantage  over  him,  and  ho  left  them  as  much  in  the  dark 
as  Avhen  they  commonceil. 

During  the  early  part  of  his  sojourn  with  tho  Indians,  they 
granted  to  him  a  mile  s(iuare  of  lan<l  in  the  most  fertile  part 
of  the  Hollow,  west  of  the  creek,  an^l  south  of  tho  road.  Ho 
lived  with  an  Indian  womm,  aftrr  the  Indian  custom.  This 
lot  of  land,  containing  six  hundred  and  forty  acres,  was 
finally  granted  to  Webster,  "  as  a  free  and  voluntary  gift," 
on  the  |>;irt  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  JS'ew-York,  by  the 
Legislature  in  170.'),  and  tho  commissioners  of  Indian  lands, 
consisting  of  Philip  Schuyler,  John  Cantine,  John  Richard- 
son and  David  Brooks,  were  directed  to  execute  a  deed  there- 
for, on  the  part,  and  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  the  State 
of  New- York. 

After  the  death  of  .'lis  Indian  woman,  which  li-ppenod  soon 
after  this  grant  by  tlio  State,  he  married  a  white  woman  of  tho 
name  of  Danks,  of  very  respectable  connections,  by  whom  he 
bad  a  family  of  sons  and  daughters,  several  of  whom  are  now 
nving  in  the  Onondaga  va^    y. 

He  was  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  in  the  \>ar  of 
1^12,  with  La  Fort,  an  Onondaga  chief  and  some  three  him- 
ui-ed  of  hi'-?  warriors,  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  At  that  time 
he  held  a  Captain's  commission  in  th<'  militia  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  and  wielded  a  salutary  inllacnce  over  the  Indians. 


IT  ^''-  ■ 


tiJt  —*»f^. 


840 


ONONDAGA, 


Ho  was  at  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  and  acted  aa  interpreter  in 
the  transmission  of  orders  from  (Joncral  lirown  to  lloh-a-ho- 
a-qua,  the  (Japtain  of  the  Six  Nations,  on  tliis  oocasion.  Tiio 
action  commenced  on  the  hank  of  tlio  river,  between  a  party 
of  British  Indians  and  American  militia.  The  British  Indians 
were  in  full  view,  and  the  Onondagaa  were  ordered  to  make  a 
circuit  through  the  woods  and  open  a  firo  upon  the  Ihitish 
right  Hank.  In  this  they  succeeded  beyond  their  expectation. 
They  stole  stealthily  along  the  woods  and  gave  the  C;inadian 
Indians  a  shot,  upon  which  they  <lispersed  in  all  directions,  and 
were  closely  pursued  by  our  Indians.  After  this  there  was  no 
such  thing  as  order  among  the  Indians,  <iuring  the  rcniaiuder 
of  the  day.  If  a  Canada  Indian  came  in  sight,  he  was  im- 
mediately followed  and  hunted  down.  In  the  early  part  of  the 
action,  Captain  Webster  gave  his  gun  to  an  Onondaga,  who 
had  none,  and  during  a  part  of  the  battle  was  without  one. 
At  length  he  was  supplied,  taking  one  from  the  hand  of  a 
vrounded  soldier. 

Hoh-a-ho-:  i  -qua  was  mortally  wounded,  during  the  iMittest  of 
the  fight.  Captain  Webster  went  to  Ids  aid,  raised  his  head 
in  his  arms,  and  asked  him  if  he  was  badly  Avounded.  The 
chief  replied,  "very bad" — "I  die  Captain  of  the  Six  Na- 
tions ;  I  have  done  my  duty ; "  and  expired  without  a  gi'oan. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  action,  Capta;n  Webster  found  him- 
self alone,  and  passed  from  the  woods  to  the  open  field.  He 
soon  ;;aw  Doxtator,  an  Oneida  chief,  pavsued  by  five  or  six 
mounted  Wyandots.  They  passed  near  him,  and  knowing 
well  the  Indian  rules  of  warfare,  he  stood  erect  and  firm,  look- 
ing them  full  in  the  face  ;  they  passed  him  unharmed.  Doxta- 
tor was  shot  just  as  he  leaped  a  fence  near  by,  upon  which 
the  Wyandots  wheeled  and  rode  off.  In  this  engagement,  the 
Onondaoias  lost  six,  Ijesides  their  loader. 

Mr..  Webster  was  for  a  great  number  of  years  Indian  Agent 
and  interpreter  for  the  Onondagas.  For  several  years  ho  held 
by  lease  from  the  Indians,  three  hundred  acres  of  land,  the 
title  of  which  was  afterwards  confirmed  to  him  and  Ids  heirs 
by  the  State  Legislature.     lie  enjoyed  the  perfect  coufidenco 


of  the  Indi 

men  have  ^ 

of  their  esl 

speak  of  hi 

days  of  his 

mild  in  disf 

a  very  rem! 

Peace  and  I 

of  years  ;  f 

Onondaga, 

trade  with  n 

had  influenc 

it.     Mr.  W( 

prepaiiig  tl 

to  make  it  s 

of  commerc 

the  Indians 

from  the  fre 

of  Mr.  Web; 

with  the  On( 

nese  origin. 

medicinal  pf 

not  unlike  li 

Panax  trifoi 

Mr.  Webs 

age  of  seven 

a  large  circle 

Many  into 

of  circumsta 

with  the  Indi 

Indian  chara 

manner  the  a 

as  once  undo 

be  wholly  un 

It  sometim 

eied  or  real 

and  even  go  i 


REMINISCENCES. 


841 


of  tho  Indians  an.!  whites,  and  several  distinguislifd  gentle- 
men have  given  him,  on  different  oeeasions,  exalted  evidences 
of  their  esteem  and  confidence.     Ho  has  been  often  heard  to 
speak  of  his  wanderings  among  tho  Indians,  as  tho  happiest 
days  of  his  life.     Ho  was  a  man,  kind,  social  and  ohligincr, 
mild  in  disposition,  of  excellent  character,  and  on  the  whole 
a  very  remarknhlo  man.     Ho  held  the  oJlices  of  Justice  of  the 
Peace  and  Supervisor  of  tho  town  of  Onondaga  for  a  number 
of  years ;  a  Justice  first  in  1805,  and  tho  first  Supervisor  of 
Onondaga,  1788.     He  was  largely  engaged  in  tho  ginseng 
trade  with  a  gentleman  of  Boston,  and  was  the  only  man  who 
had  infiuonco  enough  with  the  Indians  to  engage  them  to  dig 
It.     Mr.  Webster  had  acquired  the  art  of  manufacturing  or 
preparng  this  tuberous  root  for  market,  in  audi  a  manner  as 
to  make  it  semi-transparent,  and  at  this  time  it  was  an  article 
of  commerce,  carried  on  mostly  with  China.     It  is  called  by 
the  Indians  garentoquen,  which  signifies  with  legs  separated, 
from  the  frequent  divided  form  of  the  root.     Since  the  death 
of  Mr.  Webster,  tho  digging  and  traffic  have  been  discontinued 
With  the  Onondagas.     The  name  ginseng  is  said  to  bo  of  Chi- 
nese origin.     With  that  people  it  was  considered  a  great 
medicinal  panacea,  being  of  a  highly  mucilaginous  sweetness, 
not  unlike  liquorice  accompanied  with  a  slight  bitterness— the 
Panax  trifoUum  of  Botanists. 

Mr.  Webster  died  at  Tuscarora,  in  182.5,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  seventy-two  years,  much  lamented  by  the  Indians  and 
a  large  circle  of  friends.     He  was  buried  at  Onondaga. 

Many  interesting  anecdotes  were  related  by  Mr.  Webster, 
of  circumstances  which  occurred  during  his  early  intercourse 
with  the  Indians,  some  of  which  are  singularly  illustrative  of 
Indian  character,  and  from  their  exhibiting  in  an  elevated 
manner  the  virtues  of  fortitude,  fidelity,  gratitude  and  honor, 
as  once  understood  and  appreciated  by  the  Indians,  may  not 
be  wholly  uninteresting  here. 

It  sometimes  happened  that  the  Indians,  either  from  fan- 
eied  or  real  wrongs,  would  become  offended  with  Webster, 
and  even  go  so  far  as  to  threaten  his  life,  and  make  the  most 


842 


ONONDAGA. 


alarming  demonstrations  towards  taking  it.  At  one  time  they 
tied  him  to  a  tree,  and  there  amused  themselves  by  throwing 
a  tomahawk  at  the  tree  to  which  he  was  tied,  to  see  how  near 
they  could  come  to  his  head  and  not  hit  it.  Sometimes  the 
whistling  missile  would  graze  his  hair.  The  sport  was  kept 
up  for  more  than  half  an  hour,  during  which  Webster  neither 
flinched  nor  moved  a  muscle,  a  circumstance  greatly  admired 
by  the  Indians,  Avho  usually  have  a  contemptible  notion  of  the 
white  man's  fortitude.  After  they  became  tired  of  the  sport, 
they  liberated  him  Avith  shouts  of  exultation. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  intercourse  of  Mr.  Webster  with 
the  Onondagas,  he  had  occasion  to  go  on  business  for  the  Na- 
tives to  Canada.  On  his  return,  he  employed  a  young  brave 
of  the  Onondagas  below  Oswego,  to  pilot  him  through  the 
woods  to  Onondaga.  While  on  the  route,  he  observed  that 
the  Indian  felt  sad  and  gloomy,  as  if  something  weighed  heavy 
on  his  mind.  In  vain  he  tried  to  arouse  him  from  his  cold  and 
frigid  humor.  Webster's  faculties  of  cheering  and  amuse- 
ment were  exhausted,  without  a  relaxation  of  gravity  or  sad- 
ness on  the  part  of  the  Indian.  At  length  Webster  accosted 
liim  with  a  tone  of  anxiety,  inquiring  what  could  be  the  mat- 
ter. Upon  which  he  answered,  "Me  going  to  die."  Web- 
ster thinking  it  only  a  whim  of  the  Indian,  refrained  from 
further  conversation.  They  trudged  silently  along  and  in  due 
time  approached  the  castle.  They  had  arrived  there  but  a 
short  time,  when  six  Indians  of  the  Cayuga  nation  made  their 
appearance,  and  without  one  word,  or  the  least  ceremony,  one 
of  them  Avalked  up  to  the  Onondaga  and  with  an  axe  cleft  his 
skull.  In  a  moment  the  blow  was  followed  by  another  of  the 
party,  and  the  youns;  man  was  no  more.  The  Cayugas  retired 
as  if  nothing  had  hu.ppcned.  The  Onondagas  lamented  their 
brother,  and  there  were  injured  ones  ready  to  avenge  his  death. 
It  seems  there  had  for  a  long  time  been  a  family  feud  l^etween 
a  portion  of  the  Onondagas  and  some  Cayugas,  and  this  was 
continued  by  a  succession  of  murders  for  several  years.  This 
young  man,  so  unceremoniously  slain,  had  been  engaged  in 
the  murder  of  a  Cayuga,  and  these  Cayugas,  on  the  watch, 


REMINISCENCES. 


343 


hutl  caught  a  glimpse  of  him,  and  he  had  seen  the  track  of 
the  Cayugas  across  his  path,  which  produced  the  sadness  upon 
his  countenance.  But  to  retrace  his  steps  would  have  betrayed 
cowardice,  a  feeling  which  an  Indian  in  his  own  free,  uncon- 
taminatcd  state,  knows  nothing  of. 

An  Indian  chief  who  was  known  as  Capt.  John,  and  who 
was  a  man  of  influence  among  the  Onondagas,  who  lived  to 
a  great  age,  and  who  was  greatly  beloved  by  the  whites,  and 
uniformly  tender  and  kind  in  his  disposition,  exhibits  an  in- 
stance of  the  most  savage  barbarity,  illustrating  in  a  remarka- 
ble manner,  the  sweetness  of  revenge  to  the  savage.  During 
the  old  French  war,  a  French  officer  wantonly  killed  a  little  girl 
belonging  to  Ta-whis-kon-ta,  (Spring-the-trap,  or  Capt.  John.) 
The  murderer  of  the  innocent  child,  was  discovered  by  the 
chief,  who  instantly  set  his  mark  upon  him,  and  for  several 
years  visited  Canada  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  revenge. 
Long  and  patiently  ho  waited  for  an  opportunity  to  avenge 
the  blood  of  his  child,  by  the  blood  of  its  murderer,  but  no 
opportunity  presented  itself  in  the  person  of  the  murderer. 
At  length  he  caught  sight  of  a  child  of  the  Frenchman's 
who  was  innocently  at  play  near  the  house  of  her  parent, 
rushed  upon  her,  buried  his  tomahawk  in  her  skull,  and  drag- 
ged the  body  into  the  woods.  Here  the  monster  stripped  the 
corpse  of  its  clothing,  divested  it  of  its  skin,  leaving  it  to 
decay,  or  become  a  prey  to  swine  or  wild  beasts.  Capt.  John 
kept  this  skin  hung  up  a  long  time  in  his  cabin,  as  a  trophy 
of  his  vengeance  and  ferocity,  and  often  feasted  his  eyes  upon 
it  with  joy,  exulting  in  the  murder  of  the  innocent  child  as  a 
worthy  deed. 

In  1806,  was  a  time  of  great  sickness  among  the  Onondaga 
Indians.  Capt.  John,  feeling  that  his  end  was  approaching, 
strayed  to  the  west  side  of  the  lake,  nearly  opposite  to  Liver- 
pool, and  died  in  the  bushes.  The  latter  part  of  summer  and 
autumn  of  that  year  was  unusually  cold.  The  crops  of 
corn  were  entirely  cut  off  by  early  frost.  In  this  dilemma, 
the  Indians  called  a  council  to  enquire  why  the  Great  Spirit 
Bhould  inflict  so  great  a  calamity  upon  them.     After  due  deli- 


!Vi 


^ilwi) 


844 


ONONDAGA. 


beration  it  was  decided,  that  it  was  because  Capt.  John  lay 
colu,  and  the  white  people  were  solicited  to  turn  out  and  bury 
him,  which  they  did  on  the  spot  Avhere  he  expired. 

There  was  a  place  near  the  first  gate  on  the  plank  road, 
north  of  Salina,  formerly  known  as  Capt.  John's  bear  trap' 
a  spot  where  he  had  been  accustomed  to  bait  and  trap  those' 
animals. 

During  tho  early  sojourn  of  Mr.  Webster  among  the  Indi- 
ans, he  was  often  in  peril  of  his  life,  and  frequently  threaten- 
ed with  immediate  death,  occasioned  by  the  strange  fancies 
of  those  by  Avhom  he  was  surrounded.     But  Providence  seem- 
ed always  to  interpose  in  his  behalf,  and  upon  one  occasion 
in  rather  a  remarkable  manner.     It  seems  that  for  some  real 
or  fancied  wrong  which  he  had  committed,  he  was  judged 
worthy  of  death.     So  determined  were  the  Indians  to  accom- 
plish  his  destruction  that  he  gave  up  all  for  lost,  and  fully 
made  up  his  mind  that  his  time  had  come.     His  grave  was  dug 
and  he  was  told  to  prepare  for  immediate  death.     A  large 
ring  was  formed  around  him.     His  executioners,  four  in  num- 
ber, were  appointed,  and  their  positions  taken  ;  four  glittering 
tomahawks  gleamed  in  the  sun-light  as  they  leapt  from  the 
warriors  belts.     A  sturdy  brave  was  placed  at  each  side  firm- 
ly holdiT.-  each  hand,  stretching  his  arms  in  a  horizontal  man- 
ner to  their  utmost  extent.     The  fatal  blow  was  about  to  be 
struck.     It  was  asked  him  (as  is  the  custom)  if  he  had  any 
request  to  make  before  he  expired.     He  said  he  only  desired 
a  cooling  draught  of  water.     "  None,  none,  none,"  exclaimed 
several  voices  at  once.     He  appealed  to  them  in  afi-ecting  tones, 
requesting  them  in  the  most  supplicating  manner  not  to  deny 
a  dying  friend  this  last  simple  request.     The  venerable  war 
chief,  Oun-di-a-ga,  stood  forth,  while  the  ready  weapons  were 
poised  over  his  naked  head.  "  Hold,"  said  he,  "  stay  your  hands, 
offend  not  the  Great  Spirit.     Let  him  drink  one  cup  of  water 
for  the  last  time. "    The  cup  was  accordingly  presented  to  him ; 
one  hand  was  released  from  the  Indian  who  held  it.     Webster 
took  the  cup,  gracefully  bowed  his  head,  and  most  cordially 


drank  the  h( 
daga  nation, 

This  man( 
with  so  muc! 
and  with  so 
one  voice  thi 
one  of  us," 
ed  quietly  1 
after  which 
none  molestc 

Soon  afte] 
a  young  bra^ 
himself  befo 
while  sitting 
man  said,  " '. 
if  you  will  p^ 
and  the  hear 
name  is  Man 
whick-do-ta,  i 
sit  you  down 
you  can  hun1 
path  with  th( 
you  deserve.' 
was  appareni 
chase,  most  £ 
tween  Mantii 
was  formed, 
his  companio: 
Webster  whis 
the  first  glim 
parting  glean 
from  both  thi 
his  friend  on( 
ley  forever, 
perform.  M 
true.  My  fr 
sented.     Pre 


REMINISCENCES, 


845 


drank  the  health  of  the  chiefs  and  brave  warriors  of  the  Onon- 
daga nation. 

This  maneuver  was  so  unexpected,  so  appropriate,  and  done 
with  so  much  grace  and  aboriginal  naiveU ;  so  respectfully, 
and  with  so  much  coolness  and  gravity  of  demeanor,  that  with 
one  voice  they  shouted,  "he  is  free,"  "let  him  go,"  "  he  is 
one  of  us,"  and  was  instantly  released.  The  Indians  return- 
ed quietly  to  their  homes,  conducting  him  with  them,  ever 
after  which  he  was  treated  with  the  greatest  kindness,  and 
none  molested  him  or  made  him  afraid. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Webster  had  located  himself  at  Onondaga, 
a  young  brave  of  the  Cayuga  nation,  one  morning  presented 
himself  before  the  chiefs  of  the  Onondagas  and  Mr.  Webster, 
while  sitting  at  the  door  of  the  council-house.     The  young 
man  said,  "  I  have  come  to  dwell  among  you  and  your  people 
if  you  will  permit.     I  have  left  forever  the  home  of  my  father 
and  the  hearth  of  my  mother.     I  seek  a  home  with  you  ;  my 
name  is  Mantinoah,  deny  me  not."     The  most  aged  chief,  Ka- 
whick-do-ta,  answered  him,  "  Mantinoah,  you  are  welcome  here, 
sit  you  down  with  us.     Be  our  son,  we  will  be  to  you  a  father ; 
you  can  hunt  and  fish  with  our  young  men,  and  tread  the  war 
path  with  the  braves  of  our  nation  ;  you  shall  be  honored  as 
you  deserve."     Near  two  years  passed  around  and  Mantinoah 
was  apparently  contented  and  happy,  always  foremost  in  the 
chase,  most  active  in  the  dance,  and  loudest  in  the  song.    Be- 
tween Mantinoah  and  Webster,  a  bond  of  firmest  friendship 
was  formed.     When  Webster  climbed  the  hill,  Mantinoah  was 
his  companion.  When  Mantinoah  watched  the  midnight  moon, 
Webster  whispered  friendship  in  his  ear.     Their  eyes  caught 
the  first  glimmerings  of  the  rising  sun  together,  and  its  last 
parting  gleam,  as  it  sunk  below  the  western  horizon,  departed 
from  both  their  visions  at  the  same  time.     Mantinoah  said  to 
his  friend  one  morning,  "  I  must  soon  leave  your  peaceful  val- 
ley forever.     I  go  towards  the  setting  sun ;  I  have  a  vow  to 
perform.     My  nation  and  my  friends  know  Mantinoah  will  be 
true.     My  friend,  I  desire  you  to  go  with  me.     Webster  con- 
sented.    Preparation  was  made  for  the  journey.     They  left 

44 


||||#|,1U 


'mn^. 


846 


ONONDAGA. 


the  Onondaga  valley  together.     Mantinoah  looked  upon  it  for 
the  last  time.     After  a  Avalk  of  tlireo  or  four  days,  taking 
their  journey  leisurely,  hunting  and  fishing  by  the  May,  they 
arrived  at  an  einincnee  near  Mantinoah's  village.  "  llcro,"  said 
Mantinoah,  "  let  us  rest — let  us  here  invoke  the  Great  Spirit  to 
grant  us  strength  to  pass  triumphantly  through  the  scenes  of 
this  day.     Here,"  said  he,  "  wewill  eat,  and  here,  for  the 
last  time,  Avill  smoke  the  pijje  of  peace  and  friendsliip  to"-oth- 
er."     After  a  repast  of  broiled  venison  and  bread,  the  pipe 
was  passed  from  one  to  the  other  in  regular  succession.  "  No^y  " 
said  Mantinoah  to  his  friend,  "a  little  more  than  two  years  have 
elapsed  since  in  my  native  village  near  to  us,  in  a  burst  of 
passion,  I  slew  my  bosom  friend  and  chosen  companion.    The 
chiefs  of  my  nation  declared  me  guilty  of  my  friend's  blood 
and  decreed  I  must  suffer  dc;ith.     It  Avas  then  I  sought  your 
nation.     It  was  then  I  won  your  friendship.     The  nearest  of 
kin  to  him  I  slew,  according  to  our  customs,  was  to  become 
my  executioner.    ]\Iy  execution  was  deferred  for  two  full  years, 
during  which  time  I  was  condemned  to  banishment  from  my 
nation.     I  vowed  to  return. 

The  term  of  two  full  years  expires  this  day,  when  the 
setting  sun  sinks  behind  the  topmost  branch  of  yonder  tree. 
Beneath  the  broad  branches  of  this  veneral)le  oak,  where 
we  now  stand,  at  the  foot  of  this  ancient  rock,  against  which 
I  now  lean,  I  stand  prepared  to  receive  my  doom.  My 
friend,  we  have  had  numy  a  cheerful  sport  together;  our 
joys  have  not  been  circumscribed ;  our  griefs  have  been 
few ;  look  not  so  sad  now,  but  let  new  joys  arouse  you  to 
happiness.  When  you  return  to  the  Onondagas,  liear  wit- 
ness, that  ^Mantinoah  died  like  a  true  brave  of  the  Cavu- 
gas ;  that  he  trembled  not  at  the  approach  of  death,  like  the 
coward  pale-face,  nor  shed  tears  like  a  woman.  My  friend, 
take  my  belt,  my  knife,  ray  hunting  pouch,  my  horn  and 
rifle  ;  accept  them  as  mementos  of  our  friendsliip  ;  I  shall 
need  them  no  longer ;  a  few  moments  and  the  avenger  will  be 
here ;  the  Great  Spirit  calls,  I  am  ready ;  Mantinoah  fears 
not  to  die;  farewell."     Webster  firmly  remonstrates  against 


/ 
^ 


his  determ 
sequences, 
tance.  M 
and  takes 
earlyfricm 
ter  mutual 
ger  addres 
our  laws  di 
time  is  coi 
steadfast. 
Upon  this 
carefully  1 
his  manly  1 
There  he 
as  adaman 
tomahawk 
edge  sank 
earth  dran 
a  groan,  a  1 
magic,  a  h( 
reechoed  t 
moved  in 
parted ;  tli 
mured  thrc 
veyed  the  s 
the  witness 
The  feel 
easily  imai: 
diately  aft( 
Indians  i\v 
gave  him  t 
protection, 
and  when  i 
to  his  lioin 
fiction,  it  if 
lated  by  '^ 


REMINISCENCES. 


347 


hi8  determination.  In  vain  he  urges  him  to  escape  the  con- 
sequences. A  short  silence  ensues ;  a  yell  is  heard  in  the  dis- 
tance. Mantinoah  responds.  A  single  Indian  approaches, 
and  takes  Miintinoah  by  the  hand.  He,  too,  has  been  his 
early  friend ;  but  the  laws  of  the  savage  cannot  be  broken.  Af- 
ter mutual  salutations  and  expressions  of  kindness,  the  aven- 
ger addressed  him :  Mantinoah,  you  have  slain  my  brother ; 
our  laws  declare  me  his  avenger,  and  your  executioner.  Your 
time  is  come ;  death  is  at  hand,  prepare  to  meet  him.  Be 
steadfast,  ])0  firm ;  and  may  the  Great  Spirit  sustain  you. 
Upon  tliis,  Mantinoah  gracefully  elevated  his  manly  form, 
carefully  bared  his  broad  bosom,  calmly  laid  his  arms  across 
Ids  manly  breast ;  not  a  muscle  moved,  not  a  breath  was  heard. 
There  ho  stood,  ready  for  the  voluntary  sacrifice,  immovable 
as  adamant.  Accompanied  by  a  deafening  yell,  the  bright 
tomahawk  of  the  avenger  glittered  in  the  fading  light ;  its  keen 
edge  sank  deep  into  the  brain  of  the  victim.  The  thirsty 
earth  drank  the  life  blood  of  Mantinoah,  and  he  sank  without 
a  groan,  a  lifeless  corpse  before  his  friend.  Instantly,  as  if  by 
magic,  a  host  of  savages  appeared,  the  mournful  song  of  death 
reechoed  through  the  forest,  the  gloomy  dance  for  the  dead 
moved  in  melancholy  solemnity  around  the  corse  of  the  de- 
parted ;  the  low,  guttural  moan  peculiar  to  the  savage,  mur- 
mured through  the  trees,  and  all  was  still.  They  silently  sm- 
veyed  the  scene  ;  when  slowly,  in  groups,  in  pairs,  and  singly, 
the  witnesses  of  this  thrilling  sce^^ ")  retired. 

The  feelings  of  Mr.  Webster  on  this  occasion,  may  be  more 
easily  imagined  than  they  can  possibly  be  described.  Imme- 
diately after  the  tragic  event  of  which  wo  have  spoken,  the 
Indians  most  cordially  invited  Mr.  Webster  to  their  village, 
gave  him  the  most  solemn  assurances  of  perfect  safety  and 
protection,  very  hospitably  entertained  him  for  a  few  days 
and  when  ready  to  return,  a  party  of  Cayugas  conducted  him 
to  his  home.  However  much  the  foregoing  may  appear  like 
fiction,  it  is  nevertheless  true.  The  facts  have  often  been  re- 
lated hj  Mr.  Webster  while  living,  to  many  old  inhal^itants 


m 


mi 


M 


illiPt  • 


!■  *l 


■^■^m 


...— — «o<iMJ»>- 


S48 


ONONDAGA. 


and  first  settlers  in  the  vicinity,  who  will  yet  bear  witness  to 
its  authenticity. 

Treaties. — At  a  Treaty  held  at  Fort  Schuyler,  formerly 
called  Fort  Stanwix,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  by  His  Excellen- 
cy, George  Clinton,  Governor  of  the  said  State,  and  William 
Floyd,  Ezra  L.  Hommedieu,  Richard  Varick,  Samuel  Jones,  Eg- 
bert Benson,  and  Peter  Gansevoort,  Junior,  Commissioners, 
authorized  for  that  purpose, by  and  on  behalf  of  the  people  of 
the  State  of  New- York,  with  the  tribe  or  nation  of  Indians  called 
the  Onondagoes,  it  is  on  the  twelfth  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  covenanted 
and  concluded  as  follows : — 

First.  The  Onondagoes  do  cede  and  grant  all  their  lands  to 
the  people  of  the  State  of  New- York  forever.  Secondly,  the 
Onondagoes  shall,  of  the  said  ceded  lands,  hold  to  themselves 
and  their  posterity  forever,  for  their  own  use  and  cultivation, 
but  not  to  be  sold,  leased,  or  in  any  other  manner  aliened  or 
disposed  of  to  others,  all  that  tract  of  land  beginning  at  the 
southerly  end  of  the  salt  lake,  at  the  place  where  the  river  or 
stream  on  which  the  Onondagoes  now  have  their  village,  emp- 
ties into  the  said  lake,  and  runs  from  the  said  place  of  begin- 
ning east  three  miles ;  thence  southerly  according  to  the  gen- 
eral course  of  the  said  river,  until  it  shall  intersect  a  line 
running  east  and  west,  at  the  distance  of  three  miles  south 
from  the  said  village ;  thence  from  the  said  point  of  intersec- 
tion west  nine  miles  ;  thence  northerly  parallel  to  the  second 
course  above  mentioned,  until  an  east  line  will  strike  the  place 
of  beginning  ;  and  thence  east  to  the  said  place  of  beginning. 
Thirdly,  the  Onondagoes  and  their  posterity  forever,  shall  en- 
joy the  free  right  of  hunting  in  every  part  of  the  said  ceded 
lands,  and  of  wishing  in  all  the  waters  within  the  same.  Fourth- 
ly, the  salt  lake  and  the  lands,  for  one  mile  round  the  same, 
shall  forever  remain  for  the  common  benefit  of  the  people  of 
the  Stai3  of  New- York,  and  of  the  Onondagoes  and  their  pos- 
terity for  :he  purpose  of  making  salt,  and  shall  not  be  grant- 
ed or  in  ai.  >'  wise  disposed  of  for  other  purposes.    Fifthly,  in 


considcrati 

State  of  IS 

one  thousa 

pounds  in 
pie  of  the 
and  clothir 

r,           people  of  1 
Onondagoc 
June  in  ev 

dollars  in 

'            shall  at  an 

of  the  sale 

provisions, 
)            Governor  c 

:            of  the  ann 

}^           provisions, 
.|           and  at  the 

1            State  of  N 

if 

^            people  of  t 
;'■,           shall  deem 

1           goes  from  ] 
;^            the  Onond 

1            cultivation 

the  people 
on  the  said 
aforesaid,  1 
give  notice 
State  for  tl 
their  postei 
of  the  said 
York,  in  re 
only  such  i 
may  happc 
such  intrud 
justice.  I 
warriors,  ai 
tribe  or  nal 


REMINISCENCES. 


849 


consideration  of  the  said  cession  and  grant,  the  people  of  the 
State  of  New  York  do,  at  this  treaty,  pay  to  the  Onondagoes 
one  thousand  French  crowns  in  money,  and  two  hundred 
pounds  in  clothing,  at  the  price  which  the  same  costs  the  peo- 
ple of  the  State  of  New- York,  (the  receipt  of  which  money 
and  clothing  the  Onondagoes  do  now  acknowledge ;)  and  the 
people  of  the  State  of  New  York  shall  annually  pay  to  the 
Onondagoes  and  their  posterity,  forever,  on  the  first  day  of 
June  in  every  year,  at  Fort  Schuyler  aforesaid,  five  hundred 
dollars  in  silver ;  but  if  the  Onondagoes  or  their  posterity, 
shall  at  any  time  hereafter  elect  that  the  whole  or  any  part 
of  the  said  five  hundred  dollars  shall  be  paid  in  clothing  or 
provisions,  and  give  six  weeks  previous  notice  thereof  to  the 
Governor  of  the  said  State  for  the  time  being,  then  so  much 
of  the  annual  payment  shall  for  that  time  be  in  clothing  or 
provisions,  as  the  Onondagoes  or  their  posterity  shall  elect, 
and  ut  the  price  which  the  same  shall  cost  the  people  of  the 
State  of  New- York,  at  Fort  Schuyler  aforesaid.  Sixthly,  the 
people  of  the  State  of  New- York  may,  in  such  manner  as  they 
shall  deem  proper,  prevent  any  persons  except  the  Ononda- 
goes from  residing  or  settling  on  the  lands  so  to  be  held  by 
the  Onondagoes  and  their  posterity,  for  their  own  use  and 
cultivation ;  and  if  any  persons  shall,  without  the  consent  of 
the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York,  come  to  reside  or  settle 
on  the  said  lands,  or  on  any  other  of  the  lands  so  ceded  as 
aforesaid,  the  Onondagoes  and  their  posterity  shall  forthwith 
give  notice  of  such  intrusions  to  the  Goveri'or  of  the  said 
State  for  the  time  being ;  and  further,  the  Onondagoes  and 
their  posterity  forever,  shall,  at  the  request  of  the  Governor 
of  the  said  State,  be  aiding  to  the  people  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  in  removing  all  such  intruders,  and  in  apprehending  not 
only  such  intruders,  but  also  felons  and  other  oifonders  who 
may  happen  to  be  on  the  said  ceded  lands,  to  tlio  end  that 
such  intruders,  felons,  and  other  offenders,  ma/  bo  brought  to 
justice.  In  testimony  whereof,  as  well  the  sachems,  chief 
warriors,  and  others  of  the  said  Onondagoes,  in  bohalf  of  their 
tribe  or  nation,  as  the  said  Governor  and  other  commissioners 


ill' 


:,f^^'-^ 


860 


ONONDAGA. 


on  behalf  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New- York,  have  here- 
unto interchangeably  set  their  hands  and  affixed  their  seals 
the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 


BEAR. 

Kahiktoton, 

Tehojiskeaiyea, 

Waghselonyahhe, 

by  the  chief  of  the  clan 

DEER. 

Kanaghssctegea, 
Agogighkwayewa, 


TURTLE. 

Tehonwaghstoweaghte, 

fehagoyenawaghskwo, 

Kanadaes, 

Sagoeyons, 

Sagosaiewas, 

by  the  chief  of  the  clan. 

BEAVER. 

by  his  cousin.     Kanadakeawaghte, 
Adahswoandaahsea, 
Waghshaine, 

by  the  chief  of  the  clan. 

WOLF. 


Tehoenagalaongh, 


Skawyadaliyo 
Kalonghyo,  by  his  brother. 

EEL. 

Agwelondongwas. 
Thanehaaghkwa, 

by  the  chief  of  the  clan.     Shagohaasscgh, 
Hyanoenwe,  by  tlic  chief  of  the  clan. 

GOVERNESSES.  Onocwileghto, 

Tjeanoenikhe,  by  the  chief  of  the  clan. 

Kaeghhewa. 

Geo.  Clinton,  Wm.  Floyd,  Ezra  L.  Hommediou,  Rich'd 
Varick,  Samuel  Jones,  Egbt.  Benson,  Peter  Gansevoort,  Jr. 

Witnesses  present.  Simeon  De  Witt,  Surveyor  General ; 
Louis  Nyadeghhalongweah,  of  the  Oneidas;  Chief  Govern- 
ess of  the  Senecas,  Kayendatsyona;  Senccas,  Shagodyadyes- 
tha,  Hanoweantho,  Joayhgwalet,  Sheanooewa,  Shagokanyos. 
Cayugas,  Kaneongwe,  Haghgouthiyo,  Sam.  Kirkland,  Inter- 
pret; John  L.  Bleecker,  Interpret;  P.  Pcnet,  Sam'l  Latham 
Mitchell,  Nicholas  Jourdain,  Wm.  Colbrath,  Friedrick  Fox, 
Abr'm  Bloodgood.* 

At  a  treaty  held  at  Onondaga  by  John  Cantine  and  Simeon 
Be  Witt,  two  of  the  agents  appointed  for  that  purpose,  by  and 
on  behalf  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New- York,  by  an  act 


*  A  treaty  was  held  at  Fort  Stanwix,  coniirniing  former  treaties,  16th  of  Junej 
1790. 


REMINISCENCES. 


351 


of  the  Legislature  of  the  said  State,  entitled  "  An  Act  rela- 
tive to  the  lands  appropriated  by  this  State  to  the  use  of  the 
Oneida,  Onondaga  and  Cayuga  Indians,"  passed  the  11th  day 
of  March,  1703,  with  the  tribe  or  nation  of  Indians  called 
the  Onondagoes.  It  is  on  the  eighteenth  day  of  November,  in 
the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundi'ed  and  ninety-three,  cove- 
nanted and  concluded  as  follows : — 

First,  the  Onondagoes  do  release  and  quit-claim  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  State  of  New- York  forever,  all  the  rights  reserved 
to  the  said  Onondagoes,  in  and  to,  so  much  of  the  lands  appro- 
priated to  their  use  by  the  said  State,  commonly  called  the 
Onondaga  Reservation,  as  is  comprehended  within  the  two 
following  tracts  of  land,  (to  wit)  the  first  of  the  said  two 
tracts  begins  in  the  east  bounds  of  the  said  reservation  at  a  cer- 
tain bass-wood  tree,  marked  for  seven  miles  south,  from  the 
north-east  corner  of  the  said  reservation,  and  runs  from  the 
said  place  of  beginning,  west  to  the  river  or  stream  commonly 
called  the  Onondago  Creek,  on  which  the  Onondagoes  now  have 
their  village,  then  northerly  down  along  the  said  river  or  creek, 
to  the  lands  appropriated  for  the  common  benefit  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  State  of  New- York,  and  of  the  Onondagoes  and  their 
posterity,  for  the  purpose  of  making  salt,  then  easterly  and 
northerly  along  the  said  last  mentioned  lands  to  the  lino  run 
for  the  north  bounds  of  the  said  reservation  ;  then  east,  along 
the  said  line  to  the  north-east  corner  of  the  said  reservation, 
and  then  south,  along  the  east  bounds  of  the  said  reservation, 
seven  miles  to  the  place  of  beginning.  And  the  second  of 
the  said  tracts,  begins  at  a  point  in  the  south  bounds  of  the 
said  reservatior ,  four  miles  west  from  the  south-east  corner 
thereof,  and  runs  from  the  said  place  of  beginning,  north,  so 
far  until  an  east  course  will  strike  the  aforesaid  bass-wood  tree, 
marked  for  seven  miles  south,  from  the  north-east  corner  of  the 
said  reservation,  then  east,  to  a  point  half  a  mile  west  from  the 
aforesaid  Onondaga  Creek,  then  northerly  along  straight 
lines,  connecting  points  successively,  at  intervals  of  half  a 
mile  northing  from  each  other  ;  each  of  which  points  shall  bo 
half  a  mile,  measured  west  from  the  said  Onondaga  Creek, 


;li 


852 


ONONDAGA. 


to  the  aforesaid  lands  appropriated  for  the  common  benoat  of 
the  people  of  the  Stato  of  Now- York  and  of  the  Ouondagoes 
and  their  posterity,  for  the  purpose  of  making  salt,  then  along 
the  same  westerly  and  northerly  to  the  line  run  for  the  north 
bounds  of  the  said  reservation,  then  along  the  said  line  west 
to  the  north-west  corner  of  the  said  reservation,  then  along  the 
west  bounds  thereof,  suuth  to  the  south-west  corner  thereof, 
and  then  along  the  south  bounds  thereof,  east,  to  the  place  of 
beginning:  Secondly;  in  consideration  of  the  said   release 
and  quit -claim,  the  people  of  the  State  of  Mew- York  do,  at 
this  treaty,  pay  to  the  Onondagoes,  four  hundred  and  ten  dol- 
lars, the  receipt  whereof  the  Onondagoes  do  hereby  acknowl- 
edge.    And  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York,  shall  pay 
to  the  Onondagoes,  on  the  first  day  of  June  next,  two  hundred 
and  eighteen  dollars,  and  on  the  first  day  of  June,  annually, 
for  ever  thereafter,  four  hundred  and  ten  dollars.     Tlurdly,' 
the  payments  which  the  Onondagoes  nre  by  virtue  of  these 
presents  entitled  annually  to  receive,  and  also  those  payments 
which  they  are  by  covenants  heretofore  c-.tcred  into'  entitled 
annually  to  receive  from  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
shall  be  made  and  discharged  at  Onondago,  at  the  village 
where  the  said  Onondagoes  now  reside,  anything  in  any  former 
covenants  contained  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.    Fourth- 
ly, the  people  of  the  State  of  NcAv-York,  shall,  from  thne  to 
time,  and  at  all  times  forever  hereafter,  have  full  pow  r  and 
authority  to  lay  out  and  open  roads  through  any  part  of  the 
lands  appropriated  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York 
to  the  use  of  the  Onondagoes,  and  not  hereby  (,  ut-clairaed  in 
the  same  way  and  manner,  as  roads  now  are,  and  hereafter 
may  be  directed  by  law  to  be  laid  out  and  made  generally  in 
other  parts  of  the  State.     Fifthly,  the  several  boundaries  of 
the  lands  herein  before  described,  the  rights  to  which  die  said 
Onondagoes  have  by  these  presents,  released  and  quit-claimed 
to  the  people  of  the  State  of  New- York,  and  also  the  southerly 
boundaries  of  the  lands  appropriated  for  the  common  benefit 
of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York,  and  of  the  Ononda- 
goes  and  their  posterity,  for  the  purpose  of  making  salt ;  shall, 


Si' 


n 
I' 


afl  soon  as  coi 
at  the  expens 
of  New- York, 
these  present! 
said  nation  a 
said  nation  m 
running  and  i 
said. 

Signed  by 
dagas,  aad  on 
tine  and  Sim( 
ster,  interprel 

At  a  Treat; 

New  York,  b^ 

and  John  Ricl 

and  on  behalf 

the  tribe  or  n; 

this  twenty  ei; 

and  ninety-fivi 

Whereas  there 

articles  of  a<rr 

Fort  Stanwix, 

seven  hundred 

articles  of  ag 

one  thousand  5 

said  articles,  pi 

subsequently  t 

and  nine^y-thr 

a  certain  deed 

of  New- York, 

the  treaties  fir; 

the  said  deed  c 

and  ninety-thr( 

which  said  last 

the  said  Onond 

State,  a  perpet 

Now  know  all  r 


REMINISCENCES. 


358 


I 


afl  soon  jis  conveniently  may  be,  be  surveyed,  run,  and  marked 
at  the  expenao  and  by  the  direction  o*'  the  people  of  the  Stat« 
of  New-York,  according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of 
these  presents,  in  the  presence  of  such  of  the  Indians  of  the 
said  nation  as  choose  to  attend,  and  of  such  persons  as  the 
said  nation  may  appoint  to  attend  and  inspect  the  su-  eying, 
running  and  marking  of  the  said  several  boundaries  as  afore- 
said. 

Signed  by  twenty-five  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Onon- 
dagas,  aad  on  the  part  of  tlu  State  of  New- York  by  Jo'm  Can- 
tine  and  Simeon  De  Witt.  James  Dean  and  Ephraim  Web- 
ster, interpreters. 

At  a  Treaty  hold  at  the  Cayuga  Ferry,  in  the   State  of 
New  York,  by  Phillip  Schuyler,  J  ohn  Cantine,  David  Brooks 
and  John  Richardson,  agents,  authorised  for  that  purpose  by 
and  on  behalf  of  the  People  of  the  State  of  New- York,  with 
the  tribe  or  nation  of  Indians  called  the  Onondagoes,  it  is  on 
this  twenty  eighth  day -of  July,  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  ninety-five,  covenanted,  concluded  and  agreed  as  follows: 
Whereas  there  was  reserved  to  the  Onondago  nation  by  the 
articles  of  a^^reement,  made  at  Fort  Schuyler,  formerly  called 
Fort  Stanwix,  ou  the  twelfth  day  of  September,  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  and  confirmed  by  subsequent 
articles  of  agreement,  made  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  June, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety,  sundry  lands  in  the 
said  articles,  particularly  specified  i.nd  described,  and  whereas, 
subsequently  thereto,  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  ninety-three,  the  said  Onoadago  notion,  did  sell,  and  by 
a  certain  deed  of  cession,  convey  untc  the  people  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  certain  part  of  the  lands  reserved  to  them  by 
the  treaties  first  abc   .-  mentioned,  reference  being  had    :nto 
the  said  deed  of  cession,  made  in  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  ninety-three,  will  therefrom  more  particularly  appear  by 
which  said  last  agreement  there  wa;?  stipulated  to  be  paid  to 
the  said  Onondago  Indians,  on  the  part  of  the  people  of  this 
State,  a  perpetual  annuity  of  four  hundred  and  ten  dollars : 
Now  know  all  men,  thai  the  people  of  the  State  o.f  New-York, 

45 


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Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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354 


ONONDAGA 


in  order  to  render  the  situation  of  the  said  Onondago  Indians 
more  comfortable,  have  gi-anted,  and  by  these  presents  do  grant 
and  agree,  that  instead  of,  and  in  lieu  of  the  said  four  hundred 
and  ten  dollars,  annually  to  be  paid  to  them,  the  said  Onon- 
dagoes,  they  shall  be  and  hereby  are  declared  to  be  entitled 
to  a  perpetual  annuity  of  eight  hundred  dollars,  and  they 
having  been  already  paid  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  ninety-three,  four  hundred  and  ten  dollars,  and  the 
residue  for  two  years  being  one  thousand  one  hundred  and 
ninety  dollars,  is  now  paid  them  in  the  presence  of  the  wit- 
nesses whose  names  are  subscribed  to  this  instrument,  and 
they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  entitled  to,  ;ind  shall  bo  paid 
eight  hundred  dollars  on  the  first  day  of  June  next  ensuing 
the  date  hereof,  and  annually  thereafter,  on  the  first  dny  of 
June  in  each  year  forever,  the  like  sum  of  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars, in  manner  hereinafter  specified  ;  and  whereas  there  was 
also  reserved  to  the  said  Onondago  Indians  by  the  articles  of 
agreement  first  above  mentioned,  a  common  right  with  the 
people  of  this  State,  to  the  salt  lake,  and  the  lands  for  one 
mile  around  the  same,  and  by  the  agreement  made  in  the  year 
year  cne  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-three,  there  was 
also  reserved  to  the  said  nation  and  their  posterity  forever, 
all  the  lands  lying  on  the  west  side  of  the  creek,  running  from 
the  northern  boundary  of  the  square  tract  surrounding  their 
village,  to  the  salt  lake,  an  extent  of  one  half  mile  from  the 
said  creek, 

Now  know  all  men  further  by  these  presents,  that  in  order 
to  render  the  said  common  right,  and  the  said  lands  adjoining 
to  the  creek  aforesaid,  more  productive  of  an  annual  income 
to  the  said  Onondago  nation,  it  is  covenanted,  stipulated  and 
agreed  by  the  said  Onondago  nation,  that  they  will  sell  and 
they  do  by  these  presents  sell  to  the  people  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  and  their  successors  forever,  all  and  singular,  the 
common  right  in  the  said  salt  lake,  and  the  one  mile  of  land 
around  the  same,  together  with  all  and  singular  the  lands  com- 
prised within  one  half  mile  of  the  creek  between  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  land  reserved  to  them  by  the  agreement  of 


one  thou 
salt  lake 
State  of 
tion  of  V 
granted, 
that  the 

• 

nation,  ii 

their  nan 

common 

lars  for  t 

the  exten 

do  fur  the 

the  said 

the  furthi 

dollars,  a 

at  the  sal 

ing  the  d 

first  day  < 

and  of  tw 

of  salt ;  { 

the  said  e 

said  sever 

and  the  si 

them  by  t 

together  t 

annually  ] 

county  of 

United  St 

and  in  cai: 

the  Unitei 

the  State 

said  agent 

ondago  na 

tiie  count( 

said  Indiii 

dago  natic 

pie  of  the 


REMINISCENCES. 


355 


one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-three,  and  the  said 
salt  lake,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  to  the  people  of  the 
State  of  New- York,  and  their  ^'uceessors  forever,  in  considera- 
tion of  Avhich  cession  and  grants  it  is  covenanted,  agreed  and 
granted,  on  the  part  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
that  they  shall  pay,  and  do  noAv  pay  to  the  said  Onondago 
nation,  in  tho  presence  of  the  Avitnesses  who  have  subscribed 
their  names  hereunto,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  for  the 
common  right  aforesaid,  and  also  the  sum  of  two  huiulred  dol- 
lars for  the  one  half  mile  of  land  adjoining  the  said  creek  in 
the  extent  aforesaid,  and  the  people  of  the  State  of  New- York 
do  further  promise,  covenant  and  agree  that  thoy  will  pay  to 
the  said  Onondago   nation,  in  manner  hereinafter  specified, 
the  further  sums  of  five  hundred  dollars  and  of  two  hundred 
dollars,  and  also  one  hundred  bushels  of  salt  to  be  delivered 
at  the  salt  lake  aforesaid,  on  the  first  day  of  June  next  ensu- 
ing the  date  hereof,  and  annually  forever  thereafter,  on  the 
first  day  of  June  in  each  year,  the  said  sums  of  five  hundred 
and  of  two  hundred  dollars,  and  the  said  one  hundred  bushels 
of  salt ;  and  it  is  further  covenanted  and  agreed  that  as  well 
the  said  eight  hundred  dollars  herein  before  mentioned  as  the 
said  several  sums  of  five  hundred  and  two  hundred  dollars, 
and  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  stipulated  to  be  paid  to 
them  by  the  treaty  at  Fort  Schuyler  first  aforesaid,  making 
together  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars,  shall  in  future  be 
annually  paid  them  forever  hereafter,  at  Canada ghquc,  in  the 
county  of  Ontario,  to  the  agent  for  Indian  Affairs  under  the 
United  States  for  the  time  being,  residing  within  this  State, 
and  in  case  no  such  agent  shall  be  appointed  on   the  part  of 
the  t'nited  States,  then  by  such  person  as  the  Governor  of 
the  State  of  Noav  York  shall  thereunto  appoint,  to  be  by  the 
said  agent  or  person  so  to  be  appointed,  paid  to  the  said  On- 
ondago nation,  taking  their  receipt  therefor  on  the  back  of 
tiie  counterpart  of  this  instrument  in  the  possession  of  the 
said  Indiiins,  in  the  words  following,  to  wii :  ^Ve,  tlie  Onon- 
dago nation,  do  acknowledgi;  to  have  received  from  tho  peo- 
ple of  the  State  of  NewA'ork,  the  sum.,  of  t^vo  thousand  dol- 


.11  11   !. 


\Bi 


ilil 

I 

«1t 

ilRII 

1 

'  5 

i 

!  1 

1 

1  n 

1 

•  i 

ii  I'JI  H 

li 

Iff     1 

1 

lij.l  i 

i 

356 


ONONDAGA. 


lars  in  full  for  the  several  annuities  within  mentioned,  as 

witness  our  hands  at  Canadaghque,  this day  of -179  - 

which  money  shall  be  paid  in  the  presence  of  at  least  one  of 
the  magistrates  of  the  county  of  Ontario,  and  in  the  presence 
of  at  least  two  more  reputable  inhabitants  of  the  said  county 
and  which  magistrate  and  other  persons  in  whose  presence  the 
same  shall  be  paid,  shall  subscribe  their  names  as  witnesses  to 
the  said  receipt,  and  the  said  agent  or  other  person  so  to  be 
appointed,  shall  also  take  a  duplicate  receipt  for  the  said 
money  witnessed  by  the  said  witnesses,  and  which  duplicate 
shall,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  be  acknowledged  and 
recorded  in  the  records  of  the  said  county  of  Ontario,  and 
the  original  duplicate  transmitted  to  the  Governor  of  this 
State  for  the  time  being.  Signed  in  behalf  of  the  State  bv 
Ph.  Schuyler,  John  Cantine,  D.  Brooks,  John  Richardson  and 
eighteen  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Onondago  nation. 

At  a  treaty  held  at  Albany,  on  the  25th  of  February,  1817, 
the  Onondagas  sold  and  conveyed  the  following  described  lands, 
viz :  All  that  certain  tract  of  the  lards  reserved  to  them  in 
former  reservations,  and  known  as  the  Onondaga  Residence 
Reservation.  This  land  lies  east  of  the  present  reservation, 
and  amounted  to  twenty-seven  lots  of  from  one  hundred  and 
fifty  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  each,  amounting  in  all  to 
about  four  thousand  acres.  One  thousand  dollars  was  paid 
down,  with  an  annuity  of  four  hundred  and  thirty  dollars,  and 
fifty  bushels  of  salt. 

On  the  11th  of  February,  1822,  at  a  treaty  held  at  Alba- 
ny, they  sold  eight  hundred  acres  more  of  their  land,  from 
the  south  end  of  the  Onondaga  Residence  Reservation,  for 
the  sum  of  seventeen  hundred  dollars.  This,  so  far,  is  the  last 
treaty  made  with  the  Onondagas  for  the  conveyance  of  lands. 

Military  Tract.  —  The  Military  Tract,  was  originally 
bounded  north  by  Oneida  Lake,  Oswego  River  and  Lake  On- 
tario ;  west,  by  a  line  drawn  from  the  head  of  Great  Sodus 
Bay  to  the  head  of  Seneca  Lake ;  south,  by  a  line  drawn  from 
the  head  of  Seneca  Lake  to  the  west  line  of  the  present  county 


of  Chemv 
and  Osw 
the  prese 
land,  and 
and  Way 
The  ex 
of  New-1^ 
able  failu 
taa  of  tro< 
cient  mea 
of  the  in] 
welfare. 

TheLe 

of  this  ne 

requisite  1 

cure  so  d( 

on  the  20i 

"two  regi 

These  re^ 

sisted,  anc 

troops  wei 

dischargee 

York,  was 

the  State, 

speedily  a 

the  States 

they  contii 

time  they 

vates,  or  ] 

should  res] 

private,  fiv 

proportion 

the  survey 

acres ;  bri^ 

Ueutenant 

and  regim( 

acres;  ead 


REMINISCENCES. 


867 


of  Chemung  ;  east,  by  the  counties  of  Chenango  and  Madison, 
and  Oswego  River,  comprising  within  its  boundaries,  all  of 
the  present  counties  of  Onondaga,  Cayuga,  Seneca  and  Cort- 
land, and  a  part  of  each  of  the  counties  of  Osw2go,  Tompkins 
and  Wayne. 

The  exposed  situation  of  the  extensive  frontier  of  the  State 
of  New- York  in  the  years  1779  and  1780,  and  the  unaccount- 
able  failure  of  different  states  to  furnish  their  respective  quo- 
tas  of  troops  for  its  protection,  rendered  it  necessary  that  effi- 
cient measures  should  be  adopted  for  the  protection  and  safety 
of  the  inhabitants  of  that  region,  as  well  as  for  the  general 
welfare. 

The  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New- York,  were  well  aware 
of  this  necessity,  and  at  once  proceeded  to  adopt  the  means 
requisite  to  bring  into  actual  service,  a  force  sufficient  to  se- 
cure so  desirable  an  object.     Accordingly,  a  law  was  passed 
on  the  20th  of  March,  1781,  providing  for  the  enlistment  of 
"two  regiments  for  the  defense  of  the  frontier  of  New- York." 
These  regiments  were  to  be  armed,  accoutred,  clothed,  sub- 
sisted, and  paid  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
troops  were  to  continue  in  service  three  years,  unless  sooner 
discharged.     The  Council  of  appointment  of  the  St^te  of  New- 
York,  was  to  commission  the  field  officers,  and  the  governor  of 
the  State,  the  captains  and  subalterns,  who  were  to  enlist  as 
speedily  as  possible  the  aforesaid  regiments.     The  faith  of 
the  State  was  pledged  to  the  officers  and  privates,  that  should 
they  continue  to  serve  the  full  time  of  three  years,  or  to  the 
time  they  were  respectively  discharged,  such  officers  and  pri- 
vates, or  in  case  of  their  death,  their  legal  representatives 
should  respectively  receive,  each  non-commissioned  officer  and 
private,  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  and  officers  to  receive  in 
proportion  to  their  r  .,  k,  after  the  same  had  been  surveyed  by 
the  surveyor  general  of  the  State.     A  major  general,  5,500 
acres ;  brigadier  general,  4,250  acres ;  colonel,  2,500  acres ; 
Ueutenant  colonel,  2,250  acres ;  major,  2000  acres ;  captain 
and  regimental  surgeon,  each  1,500  acres;  chaplain,  2000 
acres ;  each  subaltern  and  surgeon's  mate,  1000  acres. 


B        ' 


'! 


358 


ONONDAGA. 


A.id  this  was  all  the  bounty  or  emolument  to  be  received 
from  the  State  of  New-York.  In  case  these  lands  were  not 
actually  settled  witliin  three  years  after  the  war  was  closed, 
they  were  to  be  forfeited,  and  were  to  revert  to  tlie  State. 
The  forces  raised  upon  these  conditions,  were  to  be  mustered 
and  commanded  by  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  armies  of 
the  United  States.  The  year  followin;^^  an  act  was  passed 
providing  for  the  raising  of  Col.  Lamb's  regiment  of  artillery, 
Avith  the  same  privileges  and  bounties,  and  under  the  same 
regulations  as  the  other  regiments. 

The  Congress  of  the  United  States  also  granted  one  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  to  each  of  these  soldiers  serving  as  afore- 
said. To  each  major  general,  1000  acres  ;  brigadier  general, 
900  acres ;  colonel,  500  acres  ;  lieutenant  colonel,  450  acres  ; 
major,  400  acres;  captain,  800  acres;  lieutenant,  200  acres; 
ensign,  150  acres. 

This  land  was  located  in  the  State  of  Ohio.  It  was  after- 
wards so  arranged  between  the  State  of  Now- York  and  the 
United  States,  that  any  soldier  legally  relinciuishing  his  claim 
to  the  one  hundred  acres  in  Ohio,  should  draAV  a  full  right  of 
six  hundred  acres  in  New-Y'ork.  But  failing  to  relinquish 
that  riglit  by  neglect  or  otherwise,  the  one  hundred  acres  over 
five  hundred  reverted  to  the  State  of  NoAV-York.  Hence  the 
origin  of  the  term  "  State  h  Hundred,"  once  so  much  in  use  on 
the  Military  Tract.  The  first  grant  of  Military  Bounty  Lands 
comprehended  all  that  tract  of  country  bounded  north  by  the 
Oneida  Lake,  Oneida  River  and  Lake  Ontario ;  west,  by  a 
line  drawn  from  Great  Sodus  Bay,  on  Lake  Ontario  to  the 
foot  of  Seneca  Lake,  up  Seneca  Lake  to  its  head.  South  by 
a  line  drawn  eastwardly  from  tho  head  of  Seneca  Lake  to  the 
Oneida  Reservation ;  east,  by  the  Oneida  Reservation,  and 
along  the  Chittenango  Creek  to  its  estuary,  the  place  of  be- 
ginning, except  certain  reserves  for  the  Onondaga  and  Seneca 
Indians,  and  for  the  State  of  New-York,  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
salt  springs. 

In  May,  1784,  commissioners  were  appointed  to  proceed  to 
grnt  military  bounty  lands,  and  to  settle  individual  claims. 


REMINISCENCES. 


3r>9 


The  commissloncrg  for  granting  bounty  lands,  &c.,  by  law, 
consistt'd  of  tlie  (jovernor,  the  Lieutenant  (Jovevnor,  the 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly,  the  Secretary  of  the  State,  the 
Attorney  General,  the  Treasurer,  and  Auditor  thereof.  Any 
three  of  whom  transacted  business,  the  Governor  always  being 
one  of  them. 

It  should  bo  borne  in  mind  that  the  Indian  title  to  these 
military  lands  had  not  as  yet  been  extinguished.  vVnd  there 
Bcemed  to  be  some  doiil)t  and  uncertainty  as  to  the  time  when 
it  would  be.  Some  of  the  claimants  became  clamorous,  con- 
sequently on  the  loth  of  May,  17H({,  the  Legislature  passed 
an  act  authorizing  the  commissioners  of  the  land  oflice  to  or- 
der the  Surveyor  General  to  lay  out  several  townships,  Avhere 
the  Indian  title  had  been  extinguished,  to  satisfy  the  claims 
of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  New- York  regiments. 

These  laiuls  were  located  in  the  north  part  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  and  consisted  of  twelve  townships,  numbered  from 
south  to  north  and  back,  two  tiers,  each  toAvnship  containing 
one  hundred  square  miles,  being  each  ten  miles  square,  equal 
to  about  seven  hundred  and  sixty-eight  thousand  acres.  Num- 
bers one,  two,  eleven,  twelve,  are  noAV  in  Essex  county  ;  num- 
bers three,  four,  five,  six,  in  Clinton  county,  and  seven,  eight, 
nine,  ten  in  Franklin  county.  This  was  subsequently  called 
the  "Old  Military  Tract." 

Many  of  the  soldiers'  rights  had  been  bought  up  by  specu- 
lators, and  it  was  soon  ascertained  by  them  that  these  lands 
were  not  to  be  compared  to  the  lands  in  western  New- York 
for  fertility  and  prospective  value.  The  Legislature  was  in- 
duced to  defer  the  final  settlement  of  claims  until  the  Indian 
title  was  extinguished  to  the  lands  of  the  Onondagas,  Cayu- 
gas  and  Senecas. 

By  the  Treaty  of  Fort  S*anwix,  dated  12th  September, 
1788,  the  Indian  title  was  extinguished,  and  the  several  indi- 
vidual rights  were  located  as  was  at  first  intended. 

The  Military  Tract  originally  contained  about  one  million 
eight  hundred  thousand  acres,  or  about  three  thousand  rights, 
exclusive  of  reservations.     Deceptions  and  frauds  had  already 


'■  'I,... 


iiiiiiii^ir 


360 


ONONDAGA. 


been  practiced  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  the  settlement  of 
these  claims  proceeded  but  very  slovrly ;  and  it  was  with  the 
greatest  difficulty  that  the  commissioners  could  distinguish  be- 
tween the  rightful  and  fraudulent  claimants.     In  1789,  the 
commissioners  of  the  land  office  directed  the  Surveyor  Gene- 
ral to  lay  out  as  many  townships  as  would  satisfy  the  claims 
of  persons  entitled  to  bounty  lands.     He  accordingly  laid  out 
twenty-five  townships,  numbering  from  one  to  twenty-five  in- 
clusive.    Township  number  twenty-six  was  added  in  1791. 
Each  township  to  contain  sixty  thousand  acres  of  land.    These 
townships  were  to  bo  subdivided  into  lots  of  six  hundred  acres 
each.     In  1790,  the  Surveyor  General  completed  the  survey, 
and  fifty  acres,  to  be  located  in  one  of  the  corners  of  each 
lot,  was  suHfct  to  the  payment  of  forty-eight  shillings  to  the 
Surveyor  General,  as  a  compensation  for  his  services.     Hence 
the  origin  of  the  term  "  Survey  Fifty;"  and  the  further  sum  of 
eight  shillings  was  charged  by  the  Secretary  of  State,  upon 
each  lot  in  addition  to  his  customary  fees  for  perfecting  con- 
veyances. 

The  Surveyor  General,  Simeon  De  Witt,  personally  laid 
out  the  whole  Military  Tract,  by  plotting  and  mapping  the 
boundaries  and  calculating  the  whole  area.  Moses  De  Witt 
and  Abraham  Hardenburgh,  were  appointed  by  the  Surveyor 
General,  as  his  assistants,  to  divide  the  Military  Tract  thus 
laid  out,  into  townships,  each  to  contain  one  hundred  lots. 
Some  of  these  townships  were  extremely  irregular,  and  so  of 
many  of  the  lots.  But  wherever  practicable,  it  was  intended 
to  have  each  township  ten  miles  square,  and  each  lot  one 
mile  square.  The  division  of  townships  into  lots  was  made 
under  the  direction  and  superintendence  of  Moses  De  Witt 
and  Abraham  Hardenburgh.  But  the  labor  was  performed 
by  several  individuals,  among  .whom  were  Benjamin  Wright, 
J.  L.  Hardenburgh,  John  Cantine,  Josiah  Buck,  Comfort  Ty- 
ler, Joseph  Annin,  Benjamin  Barton,  Jacob  Hart,  William 
Ewing,  Orris  Curtis,  Peter  G.  Cuddeback,  Thomas  Nicholson, 
John  Konkle,  and  some  others  who  assisted  them,  and  who 
aeted  as  surveyors  of  townships. 


p          The  t( 

1          and  the 

I          be  herca 

f          terms,  oi 

Tract,  w 

certain  o 

two,  thre 

missionei 

Townshij 

a 

« 

<( 

« 


(( 


« 


u 


^^ 


(( 


In  our 

townships 
ships  of  ] 
Onondagj 
Bake  of  c< 
different  j 
us,  Tully, 
the  towns 
may  be  r( 
tary  Trac 
On  the 
to  determi 
share.  I 
One  lot  wj 
of  New-Y 
township  1 


REMINISCENCES. 


801 


The  terms  town  and  township  are  frequently  confounded, 
and  the  one  often  substituted  for  the  other.  That  there  may 
be  hereafter  no  misconstruction  or  misunderstanding  of  these 
terms,  once  for  all,  we  say  that  a  township  on  the  Military 
Tract,  was  a  particular  parcel  of  land  laid  out,  containing 
certain  one  hundred  lots.  These  were  at  first  numbered  one, 
two,  three,  &c.  But  afterwards  they  were  named  by  the  com- 
missioners of  the  land  office,  after  distinguished  men  : 
Township  No.  1,  Lysander,      Township  No.  14,  Tully, 


'  I 


a 
u 
u 

(( 
(( 

« 


a 
(( 
<( 


2,  Hannibal, 

3,  Cato, 

4,  Brutus, 

5,  Camillus, 

6,  Cicero, 

7,  Manlius, 

8,  Aurelius, 

9,  Marcellus, 
10,  Pompey, 

"  11,  Romulus, 

12,  Scipio, 

13,  Sempronius, 


<( 


u 


(( 
<( 
(( 
(( 

« 


(C 

(( 
il 
ii 
a 
« 

(( 


15,  Fabiua, 

16,  Ovid, 

17,  Milton, 

18,  Locke, 

19,  Homer, 

20,  Solon, 

21,  Hector, 

22,  Ulysses, 

23,  Dryden, 

24,  Virgil, 

25,  Cincinnatus, 

26,  Junius. 


In  our  early  organization,  a  town  often  embraced  several 
townships  ;  as  the  town  of  Pompey  at  first  included  the  town- 
ships  of  Pompey,  Fabius  and  Tully,  and  a  large  part  of  the 
Onondaga  reservation.  After  settlements  increased,  for  the 
sake  of  convenience,  the  same  territory  has  been  divided,  at 
difiFerent  periods,  into  the  towns  of  Pompey,  Lafayette,  Fabi- 
us, Tully,  Truxton  and  Preble,  including  a  part  of  each  of 
the  towns  of  Otisco,  Spafford  and  Onondaga.  The  same 
may  be  remarked  of  other  towns  and  townships  on  the  Mili- 
tary Tract. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1791,  the  commissioners  proceeded 
to  determine  these  claims,  and  to  ballot  for  each  individual's 
share.  Ninety-four  persons  drew  lots  in  each  township. 
One  lot  was  drawn  for  the  support  of  literature  in  the  State 
of  New- York ;  one  lot  was  assigned  near  the  centre  of  each 
township  by  the  Surveyor  General,  for  the  support  of  the  gos- 

46 


;  i 


111 


362 


ONONDAfi A. 


pel  nn<l  common  acliools,  and  tlio  romiiinlng  four  lots  wont  to 
satisfy  tlic  .«iir|(lus  wliarcs  of  the  oIIuhts,  and  to  coMipcnHate 
those  who  by  ehiinco  mij^ht  draw  lots  covered  with  water.  If 
any  of  the  lot.s  containotl  too  small  a([iiantity  of  land,  the  com- 
missioners were  anthori/,(>d  to  correct  it.  The  former  act  re- 
lative to  aetuiil  settlement  was  repealed,  and  the  tiaie  for 
RU'li  actual  settlement  was  extended  seven  3'ears  from  1st 
of  January,  17!*-.  In  case  of  faihn-o  to  settle  within  that 
time,  then  the  lands  reverted  to  the  State  as  before.  The 
equitable  adjustment  of  these  land  claims  Avas  a.  source  of 
continual  embarrassment  and  per})lexity  to  the  commissioners, 
and  to  the  real  owners. 

In  Au^^ust,  17!*2,  the  l^oard  of  Commissioners,  finding  it 
necessary  in  order  to  comply  with  the  grants  of  Ixumty  lands, 
lately  directed  b^''  law  to  be  made  to  the  Hospital  department 
and  others,  caused  township  number  twenty-seven,  and  the 
lots  thereon,  respectively  to  be  numbered  agreeable  to  law,  and 
the  township  to  be  designated  by  the  name  of  the  township  of 
Galen. 

In  January,  1705,  there  still  appeared  to  bo  several  unsat- 
isfied claims  for  military  l)ounty  lands,  and  the  twenty-seven 
townships  being  already  disposed  of,  the  board  resolved  that 
the  Surveyor  (ieneral  should  lay  out  one  other  township,  num- 
bered twenty-eight.  This  was  subsecpiently  named  Sterlimj ; 
which  satisfied  all  the  remaininji;  claims. 

In  January,  1704,  an  act  was  passed,  on  account  of  the 
many  frauds  committed  respecting  the  titles  to  these  military 
bounty  lands,  by  forging  and  antedating  conveyances  ;  by  con- 
veying the  same  to  dift'erent  persons,  and  by  various  other  de- 
vices, and  to  prevent  future  frauds,  the  act  provided  that  all 
deeds  and  conveyances  made  and  executed  ])eforo  that  time, 
or  pretending  to  be  so,  should  be  deposited  Avith  the  clerk  of 
the  county  of  Albany,  for  the  time  being,  and  all  such  as 
were  not  so  deposited,  should  be  considered  fraudulent.  The 
names  of  the  claimants  were  posted  up  in  alphabetical  order 
in  the  clerk's  office  at  Albany,  and  also  at  the  clerk's  office  at 
Herkimer,  for  the  more  full  inspection  of  all  persons  inter- 


rf<:minkscence.s. 


3G3 


cstod.  Tht'so  dalms  were  still  contostcil,  mnl  tlio  eonrta  ovor- 
llowod  with  husiiK'SM  roliitivo  thereto.  Sciircu  a  lot  hut  hocainc 
more  or  loss  the  sul)ject  of  liti;^ation.  Kven  the  soldierw 
thcinsolves,  eotniiif^  to  take  possession  of  tho  lots  for  Avhieh 
they  had  servetl,  were  ol)lii:;ed  to  eject  some  lawless  s([uattur 
at  considerahle  expense,  or  (|uictly  to  yield  their  hard  earned 
titles.  At  leii<^th  the  iidiahitants  of  the  military  tract  became 
BO  conii>l(!tely  W(!!iried  with  these  continued  and  most  vexing 
contentions,  that  in  171*7,  the  residents  of  the  several  town- 
ships on  tli(!  Military  Tract,  unanimously  and  most  lu-artily 
united  in  petilioniu;^  the  State  Le;^islature  to  pass  a  law  au- 
thori/ing  a  speedy  and  e(piitahle  n)odo  of  settling  all  disputes 
relativo  to  those  titles.  An  act  was  thereupon  passed  appoint- 
ing Iloliert  Vates,  James  Kent,  and  Vincent  Ma.thows,  Com- 
missioners, with  fidl  powers  to  hear,  examine,  awai'd  and  de- 
termine all  disputes  respecting  the  titles  to  any  and  all  the 
military  bounty  lands.  The  (iiovernor  was  authorized  to  fdl 
all  vacancies  in  this  hoard.  From  the  record  of  the  awards 
made  by  the  Onondaga.  Commissioners,  the  name  of  James 
Kent  does  not  at  all  appear  in  their  transactions.  Most  of 
the  awards  of  17nH-!)l),  are  signed  by  Vincent  Mathews  and 
James  Emmott ;  later  ones  by  Vincent  Mathews  aiul  llol)ert 
Yates,  and  some  of  those  of  1801  and  1802,  by  ISIessrs. 
Mathews  and  Emmott,  and  Sanders  Livingston.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Avork,  and  after  a  laborious  investigaiion,  the 
exertions  of  these  gentlemen  finally  brought  these  vexing  and 
lingering  contentions  to  a  satisfactory  close. 


l! 


m 


:l!;;  1 


I 


f 
If' 


~Ouu 

¥OlSi<v 

COMT 

ticut,  on 

broth  tn"S 

he  ffiiiiu 

to  enlist 

of  lor 

His  torn 

being  ra 

West  Px 

hawk  Hi 

taught  a 

gifted  m 

than  his 

ted  fron 

York,  a 

prcHmini 

hig  land 

make  he; 

gaged  -t 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER. 


366 


CHAPT. U   XI 


ON'UNPAOA   COUNTY. 


CojfFOKT  Trim  -  •  Lfsw  i 

OltGAKlEAlli  i 

OrO  A.N  i?,  A  !,■■■>     .-.r     ■-     >i 

Tiii:ASt'K  EBU — M  KMUtttl: 

FmsT  Board**  oj  Sui'E- 
vomammth 


►iRT''  !n 


■  Co-*. 


'alca«<?»s^ 


ITAftT  Af- 


At 


Comfort  Tyler  was  born  In  the  town  of  A shf. ml,  Connec- 
ticut, on  the  22d  of  February,  1764.  being  the  fourth  of  seven 
brothers.     la  the  year  17T7,  y\hm  only  thh-teen  years  of  age, 

resolved 
thr-  age 
^•05»eat 

f'.'SS   of 

;■  Mo- 

.rvoyor, 

lien  of 

■  u.twlodge 

:  -i-\'e  emigra- 

H'f.^tern  New- 

. !  essary 


he  manifested  a  stro'-'-  .l.';nv^>  *..  :><.f-  >-  •^1, 
to  enlist  as  a  soldier 
of  iourti  eu,  he  entered 
Ilia  term  of  service  wa?-  of  sit. 
being  mostly  ooufioed  to  duty 
West  Point,     lu  1783,  he  went  to  < 
hawk  liiver,  where  he  entered  upon  - 
tauglit  a  school ;  and  as  is  often  ti 
gifted  mind.?,  he  ni:id<;  greater  advaii  •. 
than  his  pupils.     Among  the  superior  • 
ted  from  New-Kngliind  to  the  wilder^ 
York,  a  large  proportion  of  them  have  i 
prelimini  ry  to  teaeh  a  sehooT,  ai 

ing  land,  in  order  to  Hcenr(>  a  suiali  iuud  and  successfully  to 
make  headway  in  the  world.  Whil  '■  '"vlcr  was  thus  en- 
gaged at  f'"M.'-ii...-r.,,.n.  n,- .t    T,      .       1  u  ton  came  ttp  th« 


Oboa 
— Oi 
Teea 

FlRSl 
POINl 

Com 
ticut,  0 
brothe] 
he  mai 
to  enlii 
of  four 
His  tei 
being  i 
West  I 
hawk  I 
taught 
gifted  1 
than  h 
/\y  ^>' <L^  I  ted  fro 

York,  I 
prelim  ii 
ing  Ian 
make  li 
gaged  1 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER. 


S66 


CHAPTER  XI. 


ONONDAGA  COUNTY. 


OOMFORT  Ttlee  —  Lessee  Company — Pkoperty  Line — Buee  Conspieact 

Obganization  of  Onondaga  County — Roads— General  View  of  the  County 
— Oeganization  of  Courts  — Judges— Surrogates— Clerks— Shehiffs— 
Treasurers- Members  ok  Congress-Senators— Members  of  Assembly- 
First  Boards  of  Supervisors — Valuations — Census — Early  Military  Ap- 
pointments. 

Comfort  Tyler  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ashford,  Connec- 
ticut, on  the  22d  of  February,  1764,  being  the  fourth  of  seven 
brothers.    In  the  year  1777,  when  only  thirteen  years  of  age, 
he  manifested  a  strong  desire  to  enter  the  army,  and  resolved 
to  enlist  as  a  soldier  in  defense  of  his  country.     At  the  age 
of  fourteen,  he  entered  the  army  with  his  father's  consent. 
His  term  of  service  was  of  short  duration,  and  his  duties  light, 
being  mostly  confined  to  duty  in  and  about  the  fortress  of 
West  Point.     In  1783,  he  went  to  Caughnawaga,  on  the  Mo- 
hawk River,  where  he  entered  upon  the  business  of  a  surveyor, 
taught  a  school ;  and  as  is  often  the  case  with  young  men  of 
gifted  minds,  he  made  greater  advances  in  useful  knowledge 
than  his  pupils.     Among  the  superior  men  who  have  emigra- 
ted from  New-England  to  the  wilderness  of  Western  New- 
York,  a  large  proportion  of  them  have  thought  it  a  necessary 
preliminary  to  teach  a  school,  and  to  learn  the  art  of  survey- 
ing land,  in  order  to  secure  a  small  fund  and  successfully  to 
make  headway  in  the  world.     While  Mr,  Tyler  was  thus  en- 
gaged at  Caughnawaga,  General  James  Clinton  came  up  the 


366 


ONONDAGA, 


I 


Mohawk  valley  with  .i  party,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing 
the  boundary  line  between  New- York  and  Pennsylvania ;  and 
by  him  Mr.  Tyler  was  engaged  to  accompany  the  expedition. 
The  party  transported  their  bateaux  and  baggage  from  the 
Mohawk  River  to  Otsego  Lake,  and  thence  down  the  Susque- 
hanna, to  the  State  line,  being  the  same  route  taken  by  Gene- 
ral Clinton,  in  1779,  in  the  expedition  against  the  western  In- 
dians. Mr.  Tyler  continued  Avith  the  party  during  the  season, 
and  then  returned  to  the  Mohawk.  On  this  surveying  expe- 
dition, he  first  made  the  acquaintance  of  Moses  De  Witt,  who 
was  about  his  own  age,  and  with  whom  he  was  intimately  as- 
sociated till  the  time  of  Mr.  De  Witt's  death. 

The  next  event  of  importance  which  occurred  during  his 
residence  in  the  Mohawk  valley,  grew  out  of  his  connection 
with  the  celebrated  "  Lessee  Company.''  The  constitution  of 
the  State  forbade  the  purchase  of  lands,  in  fee  simple,  of  the 
Indians  by  individuals,  reserving  to  the  State  alone,  the  right 
to  make  such  purchases.  An  association  of  men,  embracing 
many  of  wealth,  character  and  influence,  was  formed  for  the 
purpose  of  purchasing  lease-hold  estates  of  the  Indians,  for 
the  term  of  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years.  On  their 
way  up  tho  Mohawk  valley,  they  met  Mr.  Tyler,  and  offered 
him  a  participation  in  the  enterprise,  which  off'er  he  accept- 
ed. They  proceeded  as  far  as  Canandaigua,  where  a  treaty 
was  held  with  the  Indians  on  the  bank  of  the  lake :  and,  so 
far  as  they  could  judge,  theiv  object  was  accomplished.  As 
might  have  been  foreseen,  however,  the  State  authorities  in- 
terfered, and  the  whole  affair  vanished  in  smoke.  As  the  his- 
tory of  this  company  is  but  little  known,  we  give  the  follow- 
ing brief  sketch  of  it.  In  the  winter  of  1787-88,  Avas  formed 
the  memorable  '■'■Lessee  Compaji//,"  composed  of  John  Living- 
ston, Caleb  Benton,  Peter  Kyckman,  John  Stephenson,  Eze- 
kiel  Gilbert,  Benjamin  Birdsall,  and  otliers,  some  eighty-six 
persons  in  all.*     These  gentlemen,  entered  into  an  agreement 


*  For  full  list,  see  Greeiileafs  Laws,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  3a9,  act  LTbTjltir  the  relief  of 
Benjamin  BirdsaU  and  others. 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER. 


367 


with  the  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians, 
by  which,  for  considerations  afterwards  mentioned,  the  said 
Six  Nations  leased  "  all  the  land  oommonli/  known  as  the 
lands  of  the  Six  Nations,  in  the  State  of  Neiv-  York,  and  at 
the  time,  in  the  aetual  possession  of  said  chiefs  and  sachems," 
for  the  term  of  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years,  for  an 
annual  rent  of  two  thousand  Spanish  milled  dollars,  except 
some  insignificant  reserves,  and  some  privileges  of  hunting, 
fishing,  &c.,  among  which  are  the  following  : 

Reservation  first. — "  A  mile  square  near"  the  outlet  of  Cay- 
uga Lake  and  Cayuga  Salt  Springs,  Avith  one  hundred  acres 
of  land,  to  accommodate  the  same  with  wooil. 

Reservation  second. — One-half  of  the  falls,  and  convenient 
places  for  weirs,  for  the  purpose  of  catching  fish  and  eels, 
from  Cross  Lake  to  the  Three  Rivers. 

Reservation  third. — Reserving  the  exclusive  ris^ht  to  one 
of  the  salt  springs  near  Onondaga,  with  fifty  or  one  hundred 
acres  of  land  around  the  same,  sufficient  for  fire  wood,  and 
other  conveniences  for  boiling  salt,  together  -with  an  equal 
right  in  common,  for  eeling  and  fishing  as  far  as  Oneida  Lake." 

The  Indians  might  reserve  any  other  lands  they  chose,  but 
the  same  reverted  to  the  lessees  whenever  they  were  abandoned 
by  the  Indians.  The  time  for  the  payment  of  the  rents,  was 
to  commence  on  the  4th  of  July,  1791. 

The  leases  were  signed  on  the  part  of  the  Mohawks  by 
Joseph  Brant,  and  Hendrick  Tekarihogea,  by  three  Oneidas, 
eight  Onondagas,  twenty-three  Cayugas  and  twenty-two  Sene- 
cas,  among  whom  were  Red  Jacket  and  Little-Beard,  and 
also  by  ten  principal  women.  Witnesses  to  the  leases,  were 
Samuel  Kirkland,  James  Dean,  Jos.  Brant,  David  Smith, 
Benjamin  Barton,  M.  Ilollenback,  Elisha  Lee  and  Ezekiel 
Scott.     Dated  9th  of  July,  1788. 

One  other  lease,  was  witnessed  by  the  same  chief.  Brant, 
an  Oneida  chief,  James  Dean,  Sam'l  Kirkland,  llczekiah  01- 
cutt,  Jed.  Phelps,  Nicholas  Jourdain  and  Abram  Vim  Eps, 
and  signed  by  ten  Senecas,  five  Tuscaroras,  five  I J  'uwks, 


368 


ONONDAGA, 


seven  Oneidas,  and  ten  Onondagas,  besides  thirty  miscella- 
neous. 

It  has  been  intimated  that  Brant,  Red  Jacket  and  others 
of  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations,  were  more  than 
liberally  paid  for  their  concurrence  in  these  transactions. 

It  was  thought  by  many  discerning  persons,  at  the  time  of 
this  transaction,  that  the  leaders  in  this  matter,  contemplated 
nothing  loss  than  the  dismemberment  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  and  the  erection  of  a  new  one,  out  of  the  fertile  coun- 
try of  the  western  part. 

^  Many  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  in  the  State  Were  en- 
listed in  the  scheme,  and  although  the  laws  and  constitution 
expressly  forbade  the  purchase  of  any  lands  f^om  the  Indians, 
yet  by  leasing  the  same,  for  the  term  of  nine  hundred  and 
ninety-nine  years,  they  hoped  to  evade  the  law  and  effectually 
secure  the  title.  The  lease  for  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine 
years,  amounted  virtually  to  a  sale;  although  in  effect  fraudu- 
lent, still,  undoubtedly,  many  were  innocently  engaged  in  the 
transaction. 

An  act  was  passed,  18th  of  March,  1789,  brought  about  by  the 
energy  of  Governor  Clinton  and  Senator  Egbert  Benson,  de- 
fining the  boundaries  of  the  losses,  authorizing  the  Governor  to 
destroy  all  dwellings,  houses,  barns  or  other  erections,  made 
on  any  of  the  Indian  lands,  by  others  than  Indians,  and  if 
necessary,  to  call  out  the  militia  of  the  State,  to  speedily  and 
forcibly  eject  all  tresspassers  on  Indian  lands. 

By  these  operations,  the  lessees  failed  to  establish  their 
title  to  the  fertile  country  of  Western  New- York,  and  feeling 
themselves  aggrieved  by  the  interference  of  the  State,  peti° 
tioned  the  Legislature  for  relief;  and  finally  on  the  4th  of 
February,  1793,  was  passed  an  act  authorizing  the  Commis- 
sioners of  the  Land  Office  to  direct  a  quantity  of  the  vacant 
and  unappropriated  lands  in  the  State,  equal  to  ten  miles 
square,  to  be  set  off  for  their  use  and  benefit.  This  land  was 
finally  located  on  township  No.  3,  of  the  "Old  Military  Tract," 
amounting  to  about  sixty-four  thousand  acres  ;  and  this  was 
the  final  compromise  of  the  State,  with  the  ffimons  "  Lessee 


COUNTS'— COMFORT   TYLER. 


369 


Compawj,"  who  once  pretended  to  own  and  hold  all  the  lands 
in  Western  New- York,  west  of  the  "  Old  Line  of  Properti/." 
This  Line  of  Property,  often  named  in  the  early  records  of 
the  State  Department  at  Albany,  was  a  line  drawn  from  the 
north-east  corner  of   the  State  of  Pennsylvania  across  the 
State  of   Now- York,  in    a  direction  a  little  east  of  North, 
crossing  the  Mohawk  River,  near  where  the  dividing  line  of 
the  counties  of  Herkimer  and  Oneida  now  crosses  the  same. 
By  the  treaty  of  1784,  the  Six  Nations  were  to  occupy  all 
the  lands  in  the  State  of  New- York,  west  of  that  line,  so 
distinguished  because,  beyond  that  on  the  wr^t,  no  white  peo- 
ple had  acquired  a  title,  except  about  six  miles  square,  includ- 
ing the  Fort  at  Oswego,  and  a  strip  about  four  miles  wide 
along  the  Niagara  River,  which  by  stipulation  in  the  treaty, 
the  United  States  had  reserved. 

The  journey  of  Mr.  Tyler  to  Cayuga  was  not  without  bene- 
fit, for  it  enabled  him  to  see  and  appreciate  the  beautiful  and 
fertile  country  west  of  the  Mohawk ;  and,  it  was  at  this  time, 
that  he  formed  the  resolution  of  eventually  settling  in  that 
portion  of  the  State. 

In  the  spring  of  1788,  at  the  age  of  twenty-three  years,  in 
company  with  Major  Asa  Danforth,  he  pushed  into  the  wil- 
derness, fifty  miles  beyond  any  white  inhabitant,  and  com- 
menced  the  permanent  settlement  of  Onondaga  county.  This 
was  nearly  a  year  before  the  treaty  was  held  on  the  bank  of 
the  Seneca  Lake,  between  Oliver  Phelps  and  the  Indians.* 

After  the  arrival  of  Col.  Tyler  at  Onondaga,  he  enjoyed 
the  distinction  of  having  felled  the  first  tree,  and  of  con- 
structing the  first  piece  of  turnpike  road  in  the  State,  west 
of  Fort  Stanwix,  and  of  assisting  in  the  first  manufacture  of 
salt. 

The  first  individuals  who  passed  the  limits  of  our  county  to 


*  By  the  way,  Oliver  Phelps  opened  the  fir,t  land  office  in  America,  at  Canan- 
da.gua,  .n  1789,  and  for  the  first  time  land  was  conveyed  by  '-  article."  This  wa. 
a  new  device,  of  American  origin,  wholly  unknown  to  the  English  system  of 
grantmg  possession  without  fee.  sysiem,  ot 

47 


<  mh 


i    m 


870 


ONONDAGA. 


live,  were  John  Harris  and  James  Bennet,  who  settled  at  Cayu- 
ga in  1789.  Mr.  Tyler  obtained  his  first  cow  from  Judge 
White,  as  well  as  some  grain  for  seed.  Having  heard  that 
cows  might  be  had  at  the  garrison  at  Oswego,  he  went  there 
and  purchased  two  or  three  more.  Like  most  of  the  early 
settlers,  Mr.  Tyler  was  obliged  to  grind  his  corn  in  a  mortar 
made  in  an  oak  stump.  His  mill  was  standing  till  the  year 
1845,  near  the  barn  of  Mrs.  Thaddeus  M.  Wood,  when  it  was 
grubbed  out  and  burned,  to  add  to  the  ipprovements  of  the 
age.     It  was  quite  sound. 

Col.  Tyler  was  a  favorite  with  the  Indians,  who  named  him 
"  To-whan-ta-qua" — meaning  one  that  is  double,  or  one  that 
is  a  laboring  man  and  a  gentleman  at  the  same  time,  or  can 
do  two  things  at  once.  So  intimate  were  the  associations  of 
the  family  with  the  Indians,  that  some  of  the  children  lisped 
their  first  accents  in  the  Indian  tongue. 

Mr.  Tyler  married  for  his  first  wife  Miss  Deborah  Wemple, 
who  died  a  short  time  after  her  marriage,  leaving  one  daugh- 
ter, who  afterwards  became  the  wife  of  Cornelius  Longstreet, 
fatter  of  Mr.  C.  T.  Longstreet.  He  afterwards  married  Miss 
Betsey  Brown. 

His  second  wife  survived  him  but  a  few  weeks,  leaving  but 
one  child,  Mrs.  Mary  Olmsted,  now  of  Cohoes  Falls.  These 
two  daughters  were  his  only  children. 

In  the  summer  of  1793,  Col.  Tyler  was  severely  bitten  in 
the  arm  by  a  rabid  dog.  The  wound  was  instantly  done  up 
in  salt.  He  immediately  arranged  his  affairs,  bade  farcAvell 
to  his  friends,  and  with  the  most  melancholy  feelings,  and  the 
prospect  of  a  terrible  and  certain  death  before  him,  set  out  in 
quest  of  a  celebrated  physician,  who  professed  to  cure  this  hor- 
rible malady.  He  was  successful  in  finding  him,  submitted  to 
a  severe  course  of  treatment,  which  entirely  eradicated  the 
insidious  poison,  and  in  a  few  weeks  came  home  restored  to 
health  and  usefulness.  This  would  appear  incredible  but  from 
the  fact  that  the  dog  had  bitten  several  swine  and  cattle  in 
the  neighborhood,  which  died  with  all  the  symptoms  and  hor- 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER. 


871 


rors  of  that  most  dreadful  of  all  maladies.     The  dog  "was 
killed. 

When  the  Military  Tract  was  surveyed,  he  was  select- 
ed to  render  assistance,  and  surveyed  one  of  the  townships, 
and  subsequently  ho  surveyed  the  Cayuga  reservation.  In  all 
the  important  improvements  of  the  country  he  bore  a  conspicu- 
ous part,  freely  appropriating  his  time  and  means  for  the  pro- 
motion of  these  objects.  He  was  early  selected  on  account 
of  his  sterling  worth  to  fill  the  highest  offices  of  trust.  He 
was  appointed  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  the  town  of  Manlius 
in  1794.  He  was  appointed  coroner  for  Onondaga  county  in 
1794,  with  Gilbert  Tracy.  In  1797  he  was  appointed  sheriflF 
of  the  county  of  Onondaga,  and  after  Cayuga  was  set  off  in 
1799,  he  was  appointed  clerk  for  Onondaga,  and  held  that  of- 
fice till  1802.  He  was  the  first  supervisor  of  the  town  of 
Manlius  in  1794,  and  held  the  office  four  years ;  and  repre- 
sented Onondaga  in  the  Legislature  in  1798  and  1799.  With 
a  physical  constitution  remarkably  capable  of  undergoing  fa- 
tigue, and  all  the  vicissitudes  of  climate,  Mr.  Tyler  possessed, 
in  an  eminent  degree,  the  qualities  of  enterprise,  sagacity, 
prudence  and  fortitude.  Among  the  Indians,  his  firmness  and 
justice  soon  produced  respect  and  confidence.  With  the  new 
settlers,  as  they  gradually  followed  his  lonely  path  into  the 
woods,  his  intelligence,  sympathy  and  alacrity  in  aiding  them, 
produced  high  esteem  and  devoted  friendship.  Many  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Onondaga,  had  their  spirits  perpetually  re- 
freshed by  glowing  anticipations  of  the  future.  They  knew 
the  importance  of  their  exertions.  They  labored  and  suffered 
in  perfect  assurance  that  the  great  results  would  follow,  which 
we  see  realized.  Full  of  these  assurances,  Mr.  Tyler  was  al- 
ways active  and  ardent  for  opening  roads,  improving  streams, 
establishing  schools,  and  erecting  churches.  Extensively  ac- 
quainted with  the  topography  of  the  country,  and  for  a  long 
time  knowing  personally  most  of  its  inhabitants,  he  labored 
assiduously  on  all  occasions,  and  with  much  effect,  in  impress- 
ing upon  others  the  views  which  he  entertained  of  the  real 
wants  and  true  interests  of  the  new  settlements.     In  addition 


372 


0\UM)A(i  A 


to  the  encouragement  which  he  gave  by  his  example,  to  the 
ordinary  and  imlis|»oiisaljlf  operations  of  clearing  lands,  pro- 
viding the  means  of  Hulji^i.stcnco,  and  constructing  comfortablo 
dwellings,  from  the  first  his  mind  was  constantly  lahorin<T  for 
the  means  of  facilitating  intercourse.     With  a  parental  soli- 
citude,  he  considered  the  condition  of  the  whole  country  into 
which  he  led  the  settlers,  and  comprehended  upon  the  broad- 
est scale,  the  means  of  improving  it.     J  lis  zeal  for  new  roads 
and  bridges  was  deemed  romantic.     But  his  knowledge  and 
his  perseverance  were  not  to  be  defeated.     As  a  member  of 
the  Legislature,  and  in  all  his  intercourse  with  public  and  pri- 
vate meetings  for  the  general  welfare,  no  person  sustained  his 
part  better,  or  effected  more,  than  he  did.     These  sulyccts 
■were  the  theme  of  his  remarks,  and  the  object  he  Avas  most 
anxious  to  promote.     To  him  more  than  to  any  other  man  are 
we  indebted  for  the   Seneca  Turnpike  Eoad,  including  the 
bridge  across  the  Cayuga  Lake.     This  project,  which  has  pro- 
ved so  valuable  since  its  accomplishment,  was  very  much  op- 
posed at  its  inception.     The  ignorant,  the  timid  and  the  indo- 
lent, thought  it  impossible  to  be  effected  by  the  feeble  means 
then  in  the  country.     It  was  too  gigantic  and  expensive ;  even 
if  it  could  be  constructed,  the  means  would  be  wasted,  and 
after  years  of  hard  labor,  and  the  most  liberal  appropriations 
for  its  completion,  its  advocates  would  inevitably  incur  the 
loss  and  mortification  of  finding  it  altogether  unprofitable. 

In  his  efforts  to  bring  capital  and  influence  in  aid  of  his 
undertakings.  Col.  Tyler  made  the  acquaintance  of  Aaron 
Burr — which  finally  led  to  his  connection  with  the  celebrated 
southern  expedition.  The  history  of  that  period  shows  that 
he  entered  prominently  into  the  transaction,  having  spent  two 
years  at  the  south,  in  arranging  plans  for  the  consummation 
of  the  project.  The  minutiie  of  these  operations  have  not 
transpired. 

As  this  affair  caused  great  excitement  throughout  the  coun- 
try at  the  time,  and  as  Col.  Tyler  was  a  prominent  actor  in 
the  scene,  it  may  be  interesting  to  some,  to  give  a  brief  synop- 
sis 80  far  as  he  and  some  other  citizens  of  Onondaga  were 


COUNT  Y— C  O  M  F  (>  R  T  TYLER. 


878 


concerned.  Previous  to  the  cession  of  Louisiana,  to  the 
United  States,  Baron  V.  N.  Tut.  Bastrop,  contracted  with  the 
Spanish  government,  for  a  tract  of  land  exceeding  tiiirty  miles 
square  near  Nachitoches.  Subsequently,  Col.  Charles  Lynch 
made  an  agreement  with  Baron  Bastrop,  for  an  interest  in 
this  purchase.  Aaron  Burr  purchased  of  Col.  Lynch  about 
four  hundred  thousand  acres  of  tliis  land,  lying  between  the 
Sabine  and  Nachitoches,  and  paid  for  it  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

The  grant  of  Bastrop  contained  about  one  million  two  hun- 
dred thousand  acres,  and  six-tenths  of  it  was  conveyed  to 
Col.  Lynch,  and  Col.  Burr  became  interested  in  one  half  of 
Lynch's  share,  for  the  consideration  above  named. 

This  is  the  commencement  of  the  celebrated  Burr  conspi- 
racy. In  the  spring  of  1805,  Burr  passed  through  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania  to  the  Ohio  valley,  and  down  to  New  Or- 
leans. It  was  at  this  time  that  ho  visited  the  beautiful  Island 
of  Herman  Blennerhassct.  Whatever  scheme  of  ambition 
he  contemplated,  or  what  mighty  project  for  founding  a  vast 
empire  in  the  south-west  he  had  planned,  is  unknown.  There 
was  a  profound  mystery  in  his  movements,  which  could  not 
be  penetrated.  The  ostensible  object  of  his  operations  was 
the  settlement  of  the  lands  he  had  bargained  for  on  the 
Washita  River.  Hundreds  had  been  sounded  on  the  subject 
of  the  speculation,  and  had  assented  to  a  participation  in  its 
profits,  without  knowing  the  destiny,  or  calculating  on  the 
event,  of  what  was  now  in  progress.  In  fact,  the  unfolding 
of  the  plan  was  not  yet,  and  its  result  and  prospects  were 
perhaps  only  known  to  Aaron  Burr,  the  grand  projector  of 
the  hidden  scheme.  It  has  been  supposed  by  many  that  his 
final  object  was  the  possession  of  New  Orleans,  the  conquest 
of  all  Mexico  and  the  formation  of  a  new  Republic.  Many 
of  the  principal  men  of  New- York  and  Ohio,  were,  through 
the  wiles  and  machinations  of  this  exuberant  genius,  drawn 
within  the  influences  of  his  plans,  and  without  harboring  a 
surmise  of  evil,  joined  their  fortunes  with  his.  What  commu- 
nication Comfort  Tyler  had  with  the  grand  leader  of  this 
project  is  unknown.     He  first  made  the  acquaintance  of  Aaron 


874 


ONONDAGA. 


Burr,  while  they  woio  nioinbiTS  togothor  of  tlio  New- York 
Legislature,  in  17!>H  and  171>!». 

The  New- York  delegation  was  composed  of  Aaron  Burr 
Goorgo  Clinton,  .rolm  Swartwout,  —  (Jutes  and  others.     At 
this  session  Col.   Tyler  procured  the  charter    for   building 
the  Cayuga  Bridge,  and  in  order  to  facilitate  the  >york,  Col- 
Burr,  and   Gen.  John   Swartwout,  sulmcrihed  for,  took  the 
ifholo  stock,  and   furnished  ihe  means  for  prosecuting  the 
vrork.      Israel   Smith   and  Joseph  Annin  superintended  the 
building  of  the  bridge.     Thus  commenced,  the  intercourse  of 
Aaron  Burr  with  the  people  of  Western  New- York,  many  of 
whom  were  subsequently  drawn  into  the  great  south-west  ex- 
pedition.    In  process  of  time.  Col.  Tyler  and  Israel  Smith, 
both  of  whom  acted  prominent  parts  in  the  affair,  with  others 
from  Onondaga  and  Cayuga  counti(!s,  proceeded  to  J?ig  liea- 
vcr,  (formerly  Fort  Mcintosh,)  in  Pennsylvania,  on  horseback, 
ostensibly  for  the  i)urpose  of  making  sale  of  salt.     This  arti- 
cle had  begun  to  be  manufactured  in  considerable  quantities  at 
Montezuma  and  Onondaga,  and  the  sale  of  it  in  the  west  be- 
came a  desirable  object.    Upon  their  arrival  at  Beaver,  Messrs. 
Tyler  and  Smith  entered  largely  into  the  purchase  of  provi- 
sions, particularly  pork  and  Hour.     Having  purchased  a  large 
number  of  hogs,  they  had  them  packed  and  taken  down  the 
Ohio  to  Natchcs.     This  is  said  to  bo  the  first  salted  pork  ever 
taken  down  the  Ohio  River,  and  was  considered  not  only  some- 
thing new  but  wonderful  at  Natches.     Many  of  the  most 
prominent  men  in  the  country  courted  the  society  of  these 
gentlemen,  and  expressed  themselves  as  fervent  advocates  of 
the  project.     As  the  boats  laden  with  provisions  proceeded 
down  the  Ohio,  they  were  joined  by  others  who  were  engaged 
in  the  expedition.     These  operations  on  the  Muskino-um  and 
Ohio  Rivers,  awakened  the  vigilance  and  excited  the  attention 
of  the  government  of  the  United  States. 

On  the  Gth  of  December,  1805,  Col.  Tyler  landed  at  Blener- 
hasset's  Island  with  four  boats  and  about  thirty  men,  some  of 
"whom  were  armed.  These  liad  been  fitted  out  as  before  sta- 
ted, at  the  towns  above  on  tus  Ohio  River,  and  were  making 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER. 


876 


their  way  down  to  Now  Orleano.  I]oat«  laden  with  aimikr 
freight  had  previously  paHHod,  and  othorH  wore  oxpoctod. 
Upon  thoHu  domoiiHtrationH  of  hoHtility,  the  militia  of  Ohio 
wore  called  out  to  HUpprcHt)  what  waH  HuppoHcd  to  amount  to 
an  inaurrection.  An  act  of  the  Ohio  LegiHlature,  and  Trow- 
dent  JcfTcrHon'8  prochunation,  againwt  thcHo  HuapiciouH  move- 
montB,  diHaipatod  the  whole  affair,  and  the  oxi)odition,  what- 
ever it  was  designed  to  he,  exploded  upon  tho  arroat  of  the 
principal  mover,  Aaron  IJurr. 

Col.  liurr,  was  arrested  on  the  Tombigheo  llivor,  MiHsia- 
eippi;  was  carried  to  lMchtu(md  Virginia,  tried  for  treason  in 
1807,  and  ac(iuitted. 

Other  arrestH  wore  nia<le,  viz :  Generals  Adair  and  Day- 
ton, IJlenerhuH:  (('^  Swartwout,  Tyler,  Smith,  IJollman  and  Og- 
den.  Burr  and  Jilenerhassct  were  the  only  ones  tried.  It 
has  been  stated  that  Burr's  whole  force  at  no  time  exceeded 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

The  indictments  were  founded  on  the  allegation,  that  Col. 
Tyler,  with  some  thirty  men,  stopped  at  JJlonerhassot's  Island 
on  their  way  down  the  Ohio  with  a  view  of  taking  temporary 
possession  of  New  Orleans  on  their  way  to  Now  Mexico,  such 
intent  being  considered  treasonable.  Process  was  served  on 
Col.  Tyler  at  Natches.  lie  came  to  Washington  with  Col. 
Pike,  who  was  afterwards  Gen.  Pike,  and  who  was  killed  at 
Little  York,  in  1812. 

It  has  been  supposed  by  some  that  President  Jefferson  waa 
to  close  his  eyes  to  all  these  proceedings ;  for  maps,  charts, 
notes,  &c.,  had  been  furnished,  of  the  Washita  country,  oth- 
erwise called  the  Baron  Bastrop  purchase,  by  his  knowledge. 
It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  Burr's  title  to  that  purchase 
Tvas  considered  good,  and  proved  to  bo  so.  It  is  supposed  that 
tho  r-rnonstrai  ee  :  f  Marshall  Turenne,  Minister  from  France, 
la  boualf  of  Bonaparte,  influenced  tho  mind  of  the  President 
in  his  deliberations  upon  the  subject.  lie  unetjuivocally  de- 
clared that  any  entry  of  American  citizens  upon  the  territo- 
ry in  question,  would  amount  to  a  declaration  of  war,  which 


876 


ONONDAGA. 


was  supposed  to  have  accelerated  the  President's  interfer- 
ence.* 

This  affair  greatly  impaired  Col.  Tyler's  private  fortune, 
and  such  was  popular  prejudice  against  the  participators  in 
this  enterprise  that  it  forever  destroyed  his  prospects  as  a  pub- 
lic man.  Whatever  may  have  been  Burr's  ulterior  object,  the 
public  will  understand  bettor  when  the  history  of  this  transac- 
tion is  more  full^  developed.  That  the  great  number  of  in- 
fluential  and  respectable  men  connected  with  it,  had  no  un- 
worthy motive,  but  simply  sought  to  take  possession  of  the 
Bastrop  purchase,  to  which  they  believed  tlicy  had  a  fair  and 
legitimate  title,  cannot  be  doubted.  Whatever  the  expecta- 
tions of  these  men  were,  they  were  sadly  disappf)inted,  and 
the  result  proved  that  they  had  been  wofully  misled.  The 
consequence  of  this  disappointment  was.tliat  a  controversy  took 
place  between  Col.  Burr  and  Col.  Tyler,  which  resulted  in  a 
total  estrangement  between  them,  which  was  never  reconciled. 

Besides  Comfort  Tyler,  tliere  were  some  twenty-five  others, 
all  young  men,  who  proceeded  to  Beaver,  in  Pennsylvania,  to 
take  part  in  the  expedition.  Some  of  these  were  Major  Israel 
Smith,  of  Cayuga,  Samuel  Forman,  Augustus  Hopkins,  George 
Kibbe,  John  Brackett,  —  Lamb,  —  Hathaway,  Daniel  Hew- 
lett, Jonathan  Thompson,  and  several  others,  wlio  left  Onon- 
daga on  horseback,  in  full  expectation  of  realizing  fortunes 
without  the  slightest  knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  expe- 
dition. 

The  affair,  at  this  time,  created  a  great  sensation  among 
the  young  men,  who  were  alive  to  the  subject  of  important 
speculation. 

In  1811,  Col.  Tyler  removed  with  his  family  to  Montezuma, 
where  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  Cayuga  lAIanufacturing 
Company.  This  company  was  engaged  in  making  salt,  and 
to  extend  their  business,  every  thing  would  be  important  which 
could  render  Montezuma  more  accessible.  With  this  view, 
and  very  much  by  his  advice  and  personal  exertions,  the  cora- 


*  Relation  of  Israel  Smith,  Esq.,  of  Albany. 


COUNTY— COMFORT  TYLER, 


877 


I 


pany  built  two  long  bridges  acrosa  the  Sciicca  and  Clyde  Ri- 
vers, and  conHtructed  a  turnpike,  more  than  three  miles  in 
length,  over  the  Cayuga  marshes,  whore  tlie  earth  was  so  soft 
that  with  one  liand  a  man  might  thrust  a  [)ole  with  ease  into 
it  ten  or  twelve  feet ;  and  yet  the  experiment  succeeded  per- 
fectly, without  exorbitant  cost. 

Col.  Tyler  resided  some  two  or  three  yeai's  at  lloboken,  and 
superintended  the  draining  of  the  salt  meadows  in  that  vicin- 
ity. In  fact  wherever  any  great  work  was  to  be  accomplish- 
ed, he  was  among  the  first  consulted.  Whatever  afl'ected  the 
interest  of  his  country,  always  engaged  his  solicitude,  and  in 
the  late  war  he  entered  again  into  its  military  service,  as  As- 
sistant (Commissary  (ietieral  to  the  northern  army.  His  ac- 
tivity, his  resources  and  knowledge  of  the  country,  were  often 
called  into  useful  re([uisition.  He  served  in  the  capacity  of 
Assistant  Commissary  General,  Avith  the  raidc  of  Colonel,  to 
the  close  of  the  war. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  the  canal  policy  engaged  his 
most  earnest  attention.  From  the  beginning,  he  was  among 
the  foremost  of  the  advocates  of  that  work,  and  he  Avas  early 
in  the  field,  side  by  side  Avith  -Judge  (Jeddes  and  Ju<lge  For- 
man,  in  advocating  tlie  fe.isiljility  and  policy  of  the  plan. 
His  intimate  ac(iuaiiitance  Avith  the  country  through  Avhich  it 
would  pass,  and  his  kiiowledge  of  the  mciuis  Avhich  might  be 
applied  to  its  accomplishment,  convinced  him  of  its  practica- 
bility;  and  it  had  been  the  peculiar  study  of  his  life,  to  as- 
certain the  advantages  Avhieh  must  How,  from  opening  such  a 
channel  of  communication.  He  Avas  industrious  in  supporting 
the  measure  by  animated  conversations,  Avhercver  he  hap- 
pened to  be,  and  by  letters  addressed  to  members  of  the  Le- 
gislature, in  tiie  early  stages  of  its  iigitation.  He  lived  to 
rejoice  Avith  those  Avho  rejoiced  at  its  completion. 

Few  men  have  lived  and  died  so  Avell  as  Colonel  Tyler,  and 
his  character  may  be  contemplated  witli  advantage  by  all. 
To  him  and  his  influence,  the  public  have  been  under  peculiar 
obligations.  His  character  stands  out  in  bold  relief,  and  his 
merits  have  naturally  resulted  from  his  thirst  after  knowledge ; 

48 


f  a  • 


378 


ONONDAGA. 


his  superiority  to  all  the  allurements  of  ease  and  luxury,  his 
daring  enterprise,  his  comprehensive  sagacity,  his  self  reliance, 
his  energetic  activity,  his  constancy  in  his  undertakings,  and 
in  his  deliberate  purpose  of  doing  good.     In  all  the  relations 
of  private  friendship,  Colonel  Tyler  was  uncommonly  endear- 
ing.    His  ready  sympathy,  his  ingenuous  affability,  his  ani- 
mation,  his  originality  of  remark,  his  knowledge  of  human  na- 
ture and  of  life,  and  that  strong  expression  of  benevolence 
which  beamed  from  his  countenance  and  issued  from  his  heart 
made  his  society  always  attractive  and  advantageous,  and  his 
house  the  seat  of  hospitality.     His  extraordinary  conversa- 
tional powers  wore  peculiarly  attractive  ;  no  one  became  weary 
of  his  words,  they  were  perfectly  fascinating,  and  endeared 
him  in  the  hearts  of  thousands.     One  who  was  intimate  with 
him  has  said,  "  I  never  knew  his  equal  in  those  qualities 
which  constitute  a  man.     He  was  nature's  own  nobleman,  in 
person,  in  speech,  in  voice,  in  mind  ;  in  fact,  he  possessed 
every  attribute  of  a  perfect  man."     No  man  more  than  him- 
self upon  a  first  acquaintance,  impressed  upon  the  mind  of  an- 
other, the  idea  that  his  soul  was  filled  with  manly  and  generous 
sentiments,  and  none  more  fully  confirmed  that  impression  up- 
on subsequent  intnnacy.     By  those  who  knew  him  best,  he 
was  most  highly  esteemed. 

He  died  at  his  residence  at  Montezuma,  on  the  5th  of  Au- 
gust, 1827,  sincerely  lamented  by  a  large  circle  of  personal 
friends,  and  deeply  mourned  by  numerous  relatives. 

Samuel,  John  and  William  Tyler,  came  to  Onondaga  be- 
tween the  years  1790  and  1705.  Samuel  and  William  set- 
tled in  Marcellus  and  died  in  1825,  within  one  week  of  each 
other.  John  returned  to  Connecticut,  where  he  died  in  1846. 
Job  Tyler  first  settled  in  the  town  of  Bridgewater,  Oneida 
county,  in  1794,  and  removed  to  Onondaga  in  1804,  and  re- 
sided in  the  county  of  Onondaga,  except  four  or  five  years, 
during  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  which  were  spent  at  Monte- 
zuma. He  died  at  Onondaga  in  March,  183G.  They  were 
all  active  industrious  men,  and  it  may,  without  ostentation,  be 
claimed  for  them,  that  they  deserved,  and  have  left  behind 


M 


COUNTY. 


379 


i 


tlu'ia,  the  reputation  of  valuable  citizens,  and  of  upright,  hono- 
rable men. 

Oroanization  of  Onondaga  County. — We  have  now  ar- 
rived at  the  period  when  Onondsiga  was  organized  aa  a  county, 
and  it  seeras  rather  necessary  to  go  back  and  follow  out  the 
names  and  organizations  through  which  our  county  has  passed. 

The  territory  of  New  Netherlands,  (now  New-York,)  west 
of  Fort  Orange,  (Albany,)  was  called  by  the  Dutch  in  1638, 
"  Terra  Incognita,"  or  unknown  land.  This  appears  to  be  the 
first  distinctive  name  given  to  western  New- York.  In  1683, 
after  the  English  had  succeeded  to  the  government  of  the 
Dutch  Territories  in  America,  and  the  English  Duke  of  York 
had  assumed  the  reins  of  government,  the  colony  of  New- 
York  was  divided  by  the  Duke  of  York's  Legislature,  into 
twelve  counties,  called  Albany,  Duchess,  Kings,  New-York, 
Orange,  Queens,  Richmond,  Suffolk,  Ulster,  Westchester, 
Dukes  and  Cornwall.  This  organization  remained  undisturbed 
till  the  years  1768  and  1770,  when  the  counties  of  Cumber- 
land and  Gloucester  were  added.  These  two  latter,  after  a 
long  and  angry  controversy,  were  yielded  to  New  Hampshire, 
and  subsequently  became  a  part  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  ex- 
cept a  portion  north  of  Albany,  which  was  called  Charlotte 
county.  The  counties  of  Dukes  and  Cornwall  were  claimed 
by  Massacliusetts,  and  were  finally  surrendered  in  1693. 

In  1772  the  county  of  Tryon  was  taken  from  Albany  coun- 
ty, and  embraced  all  the  territory  of  New- York,  west  of  a  line 
drawn  nearly  north  and  south  through  the  present  county  of 
Schoharie.  Very  soon  after  the  close  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  the  tide  of  emigration  was  directed  towards  Tryon  coun- 
ty, and  in  a  few  years  the  increase  of  population  made  it  ne- 
cessary for  convenience,  to  divide  it.  In  1784,  the  name  of 
Montgomery  was  substituted  for  Tryon.  The  tory  Governor 
Tryon,  had  made  interest  with  the  British  during  the  revolu- 
tion, and  it  was  considered  unpatriotic  to  have  a  disenthralled 
territory  called  any  longer  by  a  tory's  name.  The  same  year 
the  name  of  Charlotte  was  changed  to  Washington.     At  the 


H 


880 


ONONDAGA. 


time,  the  name  of  Tryon  was  changed  to  Montgomery,  the 
territory  was  divided  into  five  districts,  called  Mohawk,  Cana- 
joharie,  Palatine,  German  Flats  and  Kingsland,  the  two  latter 
of  which  embraced  the  western  part  of  the  State.     In  1788 
the  district  of  German  Flats,  in  the  county  of  Montgomery, 
was  divided,  and  all  that  part  of  the  State  of  New- York  ly- 
ing  west  of  a  line  drawn  north  and  south  across  the  State, 
crossing  the  Mohawk  Eiver  at  "  Old  Fort  Schuyler,"  (Utica,) 
was  erected  into  a  tovn  called  Whitestown,  in  honor  of  Judge 
White,  who  had  settled  at  Sadaquate  (Whitesbovo)  in  1784. 
In  1786  the  county  of  Montgomery  contained  a  population 
of  only  fifteen  thousand  and  fifty-seven,  and  the  State  of  New- 
York  only  two  hundred  thirty-eight  thousand  eight  hundred 
ninety-six  inhabitants.     At  this  period,  the  town  of  Whites- 
town  contained  less  than  two  hundred  white  persons.     The 
same  territory  now  contains  not  much  less  than  one  million 
three  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.     The  wonderful  transi- 
tion, by  which  in  the  space  of  a  very  few  years  this  immense 
forest  has  been  converted  into  fruitful  fields,  seems  like  the  il- 
lusions of  a  dream,  to  those  who  have  witnessed  its  progress. 
We  can  hardly  trust  the  evidence  of  our  senses,  when  we  look 
back  and  see  with  what  rapidity  villages  and  cities  have  al- 
most magically  sprung  up,  amidst  the  native  woodlands,  and 
mark  the  increase  of  roads  and  rail-ways  over  the  pathway  of 
the  wandering  savage. 

The  first  town  meeting  for  the  District  of  Whitestown,  con- 
vened at  the  house  of  Capt.  Daniel  White,  in  said  District, 
on  Tuesday,  the  7th  of  April,  1789,  "  agreeable  to  warning," 
and  adjourned  to  the  barn  of  Hugh  White,  Esq.,  "  it  being 
more  convenient;"  at  which  time  and  place  they  "proceeded 
as  folio weth:" 

"  1st.  Chose  Col.  Jedediah  Sanger  Supervisor.  2d.  Chose 
Elijah  Blodget  Town  Clerk.  3d.  Chose.  Amos  Wetmore  first 
Assessor.  4th.  Chose  James  Bronson  second  Assessor.  5th. 
Chose  Ephraim  Blackmore  third  Assessor,"  &c. 

The  second  town  meeting  was  held  at  the  barn  of  Need- 
ham  Maynard,  Whitestown,   Tuesday,  6th  of  April,  1790. 


# 


COUNTY. 


881 


Col.  William  Colbraith  was  chosen  Supervisor,   and  Elijah 
Blodget,  Town  Clerk. 

In  1791,  Jedediah  Sanger  was  elected  Supervisor,  and  Ash- 
bel  Beach,  Town  Clerk.  Ebonezer  Butler,  afterwards  of  Pom- 
pey,  Collector ;  James  Wadsworth,  of  Geneseo,  True  Worthy 
Cook,  of  Pompey,  Jeremiah  Gould,  of  Salina,  Overseers  of 
HighAvays. 

In  1789,  the  county  of  Montgomery  was  divided,  and  all  that 
part  west  of  a  line  drawn  north  and  south  across  the  State, 
through  the  Seneca  Lake,  two  miles  east  of  Geneva,  was  call- 
ed Ontario  County,  and  was  extensively  known  abroad  as  the 
"  Genesee  country."  Herkimer  County  was  taken  from  Mont- 
gomery, and  organized  in  1791,  and  included  all  the  country 
west  of  Montgomery,  north  of  Otsego  and  Tioga,  and  east  of 
Ontario  Counties.  The  town  of  Whitestown  was  divided  into 
three  towns.  Whitestown  came  west  from  its  eastern  limits  as 
far  an  the  present  west  line  of  Madison  County.  The  town  of 
Mexico  included  the  eastern  half  of  the  Military  Tract,  and 
the  town  of  Peru  the  western.  The  town  of  Mexico  was 
bounded  east  by  the  east  bounds  of  the  Military  Tract,  and  a 
line  draAvn  north,  from  the  mouth  of  the  Chittenango  Creek, 
across  the  Oneida  Lake,  to  Lake  Ontario ;  south  by  Tioga 
county,  west  by  the  west  bounds  of  the  townships  of  Homer, 
Tully,  Camillus,  Lysander  and  Hannibal,  of  the  said  Military 
Tract,  and  north  by  Lake  Ontario. 

The  first  town-meeting  for  the  town  of  Mexico,  was  directed 
by  law,  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Benjamin  Morehouse  (near 
Jamesville).  The  town  of  Peru,  was  bounded  north  by  Lake 
Ontario  ;  east,  by  Mexico ;  south,  by  Tioga  county ;  and  west, 
by  Ontario  county.  The  first  town-meeting  was  directed  by 
law  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Seth  Phelps.  We  have  been 
unable  to  find  any  record  of  the  proceedings  of  town-meetings 
of  the  towns  of  Mexico  and  Peru. 

The  poll  for  the  first  general  election  for  Whitestown,  was 
opened  at  Cayuga  Ferry,  then  adjourned  to  the  house  of  Ben- 
jamin Morehouse,  thence  to  Rome,  and  finally  closed  ai 
Whitestown. 


I 


u 


£  it 


%  t^W>.t 


382 


ONONDAGA. 


The  following  extract  from  Dunlap's  Daily  Advertiser, 
printed  at  Philadelphia,  26th  of  July,  1792,  may  not  be  unin- 
teresting, as  it  shows  us  what  was  thought  of  Herkimer  county 
at  that  period. 

"  Gentlemen  who  reside  on  the  military  lands  in  the  county 
of  Herkimer,  inform  us,  that  that  tract  of  country  contains  a 
very  great  proportion  of  rich  land,  well  watered  and  timbered, 
that  there  is  already  a  considerable  number  of  settlers  there, 
and  that  it  bids  fair  to  people  as  rapidly  as  any  part  of  America. 
That  sixteen  bushels  of  salt  are  daily  manufactured  at  Major 
Danforth's  works  at  the  salt  springs,  and  that  Mr.  Van  Vleck, 
formerly  of  Kinderhook,  is  erecting  other  works,  at  the  same 
place,  for  carrying  on  the  like  manufactory;  that  when- 
ever sufficient  works  shall  be  erected  at  those  springs,  a  thou- 
sand bushels  of  salt  can  be  made  every  day ;  that  salt  now 
sells  there  for  five  shillings  per  bushel ;  that  it  weighs  rbout 
fifty-six  pounds  to  the  bushel,  and  is  equal  in  quality  to  that 
of  Turk's  Island.  That  the  salmon  fishing  in  that  country, 
must  become  an  object  of  great  improvement,  as  that  fine  fish 
(the  salmon)  abounds  in  their  rivers  and  lakes,  in  spring  and 
fall.  That  it  is  not  uncommon  for  a  party  to  spear  twenty  or 
fifty  in  an  evening,  from  fourteen  to  thirty  pounds  each.  The 
lands  sell  in  general  at  from  one  shilling  to  three  shillings  per 
acre,  but  some  have  sold  as  high  as  from  eight  to  twelve  shil- 
lings per  acre." 

In  1794,  the  county  of  Onondaga  was  erected  from  the 
western  part  of  Herkimer,  and  included  all  the  Military  Tract, 
which  now  embraces  all  the  counties  of  Seneca,  Cayuga,  Cort- 
land and  Onondaga,  and  all  that  part  of  Tompkins  county, 
lying  north  of  a  line  drawn  east  from  the  head  of  Seneca 
Lake  to  the  south-west  corner  of  Cortland  county,  and  all 
that  part  of  Oswego  county  lying  west  of  the  Oswego  River. 
It  was  finally  reduced  to  its  present  territorial  limits  in  1816 ; 
Cayuga  having  been  set  off  in  1799,  Cortland  in  1808,  and 
Oswego  in  1816.  Wayne  was  taken  from  Seneca  in  1823, 
and  Tompkins,  from  Cayuga  and  Seneca  counties  in  1817» 
At  the  time  Onondaga  was  organized,  it  was  divided  into  eleven 


COUNTY. 


883 


to™ :  Homer,  Pompoy,  Manliua,  Lpander,  Maroellus,  Ulys- 
^»,  M,lton,  So,p,„,  Ovid,  Auroliu,,  and  Romulus,    it  the 

TwlTTr  '"  ''•"■  °""  ^"^"Sa  was  set  off,  Ononda- 
ga was  draded  mto  nme  towns,  as  follows:  Solon,  Homer, 
Fabms  Onondaga,  Pompey,  Manilas,  Lysander,  CamiUus  and 
Mar«ell„s,  and  contained  abont  one  hundred  and  twelve  thou- 
sand  three  hundred  and  twenty-nine  inhabitants.     The  eensus 
^L.  I  '  ^7Z  '"Onondaga  eounty,  comprising  thirteen 
towns   t„nty-flve  thousand  nine  hundred  and  eighty-seven 
.nhab^nts;  1825   forty-eight  thousand  four  hufdred  and 
tbrty-five;  .a  1830,  comprising  seventeen  towns,  fifty-eight 
housand  nme  hun  red  and  sevonty-feur ;  and  so  on  iLeas- 
ing  at  the  ratio  of  about  ten  thousand  in  every  five  or  six 
years.     For  the  early  settlement  of  Onondaga  eounty,  the 
reader  IS  referred  to  the  several  towns. 

RoAi,s._The  first  road  attempted  to  be  made  through  this 
country  was  m  1790  or  1791,  by  a  party  of  emigrants ^7^ 
the  direefon  of  the  late  Gen.  WaLorth,  from  th    settle-  ' 

vr  IMe  e 'TT  '"  f  "^"'""^"^'  ""■-  "  »  •=-"  " 

rtfodt  ,T1'  "''  '"'"^'^  "  '"'''™'»'-    Af'«  this, 
h    old  State  Koad  was  cut  through,  enlarging  and  following 

the  one  cut  by  the  emigrants.     From  the  east,  it  crossed  th! 

county  hne  a  little  north  of  the  Deep  Spring,  'w  WeW  lilt 

Sayles  kept  a  tavern  in  1793.     Through  Matlius  village  tha^ 

road  was  essentially  where  it  is  now.    After  passing  More 

houses  Fats,  it  bore  south  and  crossed  the  BuLrnu^  Creel 

near  a  mile  south  of  Jamesville;  then  bearing  a  little  south 

of  west  entered  Onondaga  Hollow  at  Dan  fori 's,  near  a  mt 

to  Mickes  lui-nace,  then  around  the  hill,  the  present  road 
mterseeting  it  near  General  Hutchinson's.     After  this  road 
™  cut  through,  the  tide  of  emigration  greatly  increased 
Winter  was  the  season  usually  chosen  for  emigration  from 

^Z  tT\l "";  ""^^'»™i-"  '-f'on,  as  the  country  wS 
wholly  shaded  by  dense  forests,  there  was  commonly  ,„o^ 
enough  for  good  sleighing  through  the  winter  months     MosT 


i 


i;Jl 


i!i 


884 


ONONDAGA. 


of  the  settlements  from  Utica  to  Canandaigua,  along  this  road, 
began  to  attain  some  consequence,  as  early  as  the  year  1800. 
Previous  to  the  laying  out  of  this  road,  which  was  somewhat 
improved  by  sundry  appropriations  from  the  State,  the  west- 
ern settlers  moved  on  pack  horses  through  the  country,  along 
the  Indian  paths.  One  of  the  most  noted  of  these  paths  led 
from  Oneida  to  Chittenango,  keeping  south  of  the  high  land 
above  Mr.  Patrick's  plaster  bed  between  Canaseraga  and 
Chittenango,  coming  down  the  hill  obliquely,  near  where  the 
excavation  is  made  for  the  Chittenango  Rail  Road,  crossing 
the  Chittenango  Creek  on  a  large  Sycamore  tree,  which  was 
lying  across  the  creek  as  late  as  1804,  a  little  above  the  turn- 
pike bridge,  passing  upon  the  high  land  above  and  south  of 
the  ravine,  through  which  the  present  road  passes  to  Col. 
Sage's  farm,  where  w^ere  once  the  remains  of  a  stockade  en- 
closure, and  a  large  Indian  orchard.  From  this,  it  passed  on, 
entering  Onondaga  Hollow  at  Major  Danforth's. 

In  1793,  John  L.  Hardenburgh,  Moses  De  Witt,  and  John 
Patterson,  were  appointed  a  board  of  commissioners,  for  lay- 
ing out  and  making  public  roads,  on  the  Military  Tract ;  the 
principal  one  of  which,  was  that  leading  from  the  "  Deep 
Spring"  to  the  "  Cayuga  Ferry,"  and  others  in  different  parts 
of  the  Military  Tract.  They  were  to  be  laid  out  four  rods 
wide,  and  the  sum  of  two  thousand  seven  hundred  dollars  was 
appropriated  for  that  purpose. 

In  1794  an  aci  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  appointing  Israel  Chapin,  Michael  Myers  and 
Othniel  Taylor,  commissioners  for  the  purpose  of  laying  out 
and  improving  a  public  highway,  from  old  Fort  Schuyler,  on 
the  Mohawk  River  to  the  Cayuga  Ferry,  as  nearly  straight 
as  the  situation  of  the  country  would  allow.  Thence  from 
Cayuga  Ferry  to  Canandaigua,  and  thence  to  the  settlement 
of  Canawagas,  on  the  Genesee  River.  Road  to  be  six  rods 
wide,  and  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds  was  appropriated 
for  the  expenses  of  opening  and  improving  so  much  of  the 
road  as  passed  through  the  Military  Tract.  In  1796  the  Sur- 
veyor General  was  authorized  to  sell  certain  lands  on  the  In- 


COUNTY. 


885 


dian  reservation,  and  from  the  proceeds  of  the  sales,  appro- 
priate five  hundred  pounds  for  improving  the  Great  Genesee 
Road,  through  the  county  of  Onondaga. 

In  179G,  Soth  Phelps,  William  Stevens,  and  Comfort  Ty- 
ler were  appointed  commissioners,  to  make  and  repair  the 
highways  in  the  county  of  Onondaga.  Four  thousand  dollars 
wore  appropriated  by  the  State  for  that  purpose,  and  two 
thousand  dollars  were  directed  to  be  expended  in  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Great  Genesee  Road,  from  the  eastern  to  the 
western  boundary  of  the  county.  Commissioners  were  each 
allowed  two  dollars  per  day  for  superintending  the  improve- 
ment of  the  roads.  Subsequently,  Amos  Hall,  Samuel  Chip- 
man  and  Michael  Myers  were  appointed  commissioners  to 
superintend  the  improvements  of  the  Great  Genesee  Road. 

In  1797,  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  authorized  three 
Lotteries,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  forty-five  thousand  dol- 
lars, for  the  further  improvement  of  roads.  Thirteen  thou- 
sand nine  hundred  dollars  of  this  was  appropriated  for  open- 
ing  and  improving  the  Great  Genesee  Road,  in  all  its  extent, 
from  old  Fort  Schuyler  to  Geneva. 

In  1800,  the  Seneca  Road  Company  was  chartered  for  the 
purpose  of  improving  the  old  State  Road  from  Utica  to  Can- 
andaigua.     Jedediah  Sanger,  Benjamin  Walker,  Cha's  Wil- 
liamson and  Israel  Chapin,  were  appointed  commissioners  to 
survey  and  lay  out  this  road  ;  the  capital  stock  was  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  thousand  dollars  ;  shares  fifty  dollars  each.     The 
charter  was  amended  in  1801,  and  the  commissioners  were 
privileged  to  deviate  from  the  old  road.     After  the  amend- 
ment of  the  charter  in  1801,  and  the  commissioners  had  re- 
solved to  improve,  alter  and  straighten  the  road,  as  may  well 
be  supposed,  there  was  a  great  deal  of  anxiety,  manifested 
by  inhabitants  in  various  sections  of  the  country,  respecting 
the  proper  location  of  it ;  every  man  desiring  it  should  pass 
his  own  door.     The  commissioners  had  proceeded  from  Utica 
west,  as  far  as  Chittenango,  and  established  the  road,  vary- 
ing in  several  instances  from  the  old  road.     They  encountered 
not  much  opposition,  because  after  leaving  Westmoreland, 

49 


386 


ONONDAGA. 


thoro  wero  very  few  white  inhabitants.  At  Chittenango  the 
commissioners  were  met  by  a  large  delegation  of  interested 
individuals,  from  Onondaga  and  Manlius.  These  persons 
were  feariul,  lest  tlic  commissioners  would  select  a  more  north- 
ern route,  and  they  had  become  fixed  in  their  determination 
to  avoid  the  monstrous  Canaseraga  Hill,  as  it  was  then  called, 
and  also  the  Onondaga  Hill.  The  northern  route  had  few 
advocates,  as  the  settlers  in  that  direction  did  not  deem  the 
matter  of  sufficient  importance  to  send  delegates  to  the  coiri- 
missioners.  The  southern  route  was  finally  settled  upon,  but 
not  without  the  practice  of  a  most  palpable  deception  on  the 
part  of  the  persons  interested.  The  settlers  from  Onondaga 
were  the  most  active  in  the  measure.  Being  well  acquainted 
with  the  country,  at  the  same  time  professing  to  show  and  ex- 
plain the  best  and  most  suitable  ground  for  the  road,  they 
first  led  the  commissioners  up  the  ravine,  north-west  of  Chit- 
tenango, passing  up  that  a  mile  and  a  half,  they  found  them- 
selves hemmed  in  on  three  sides  by  a  perpendicular  ledge  of 
rocks,  more  than  one  hundred  feet  high,  with  no  way  of  get- 
ting out,  but  backing  out.  The  next  best  supposable  route 
was  acted  upon,  and  the  commissioners  were  led  across  this 
ravine,  along  the  great  hill  towards  Ilartsville,  and  into  one 
of  the  most  dismal  of  all  places,  then  dignified  by  the  very 
significant  name  of  the  Gulf  of  IMcxico,  now  called  the  Ba- 
sin ;  a  place  where  the  sun  lias  never  in  this  latitude,  risen 
high  enough  to  shine  upon.  In  this  dilemma,  there  could  be 
no  alternative  but  to  return  the  way  they  had  advanced. 
Upon  this,  the  northern  route  was  declared  impracticable,  and 
they  proceeded  to  lay  out  the  road  through  Manlius  Square, 
Sinai  (Jamesville)  and  Onondaga  Hollow. 

The  company  soon  learned  they  had  not  availed  themselves 
of  the  most  favora))le  route,  and  they  solicited  an  amendment 
of  their  charter,  which  was  i2;rantcd  in  1806,  enablin"-  them  to 
build  a  new  road  from  Sullivan,  through  the  Onondaca  Reser- 
vation  near  the  salt  springs,  to  Cayuga  Bridge,  and  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars  was  addied  to  the  capital  stock.  This  road  was 
finally  completed  in  1812,  and  was  styled  the  north  branch 


COUNTY. 


387 


of  the  Seneca  Road.  It  was  made  through  this  county  by  the 
efforts  of  James  Gcddcs,  Squire  Munro  and  Dr.  John  Frisbie 
Iho  Third  Great  Western  or  Clierry  Valley  Turnpike,  as  it 
13  more  commonly  called,  was  chartered  in  ]«02,  and  was  fin- 
ished  m  1807;  capital  .stock  seventy-five  thousand  dollars,  with 
privilege  of  increasing  thirty  thousand  dollars  more;  shares 
twenty-five  dollars  each. 

In  1807,  John  Swift,  Grover  Smith  and  John  Ellis  were  ap- 
pointed  commissioners  to  explore  and  lay  out  a  public  road 
four  rods  wide  from  the  village  of  Salina  to  the  north  west 
corner  of  the  township  of  Galen.     And  the  same  year  Moses 
Carpenter,  Medad  Curtis  and  Asa  Rico,  were  appointed  com- 
missioners to  explore  and  Iny  out  a  road  six  rods  wide  on  the 
most  practicable  route  from  Onondaga  Hill  to  Ox  Creek  and 
from  thence  to  the  village  of  Oswego,  and  another  from  Ox 
Creek  to  the  village  of  Salina.     Thus  we  see  that  as  early  as 
1810  we  have  all  the  most  prominent  and  useful  public  high- 
ways laid  out,  and  most  of  them  ready  for  the  use  of  travel- 
ers.    A  Mr.  Langdon  first  carried  the  United  States  Mail 
through  this  county  from  Wliitestown  to  Genesee  on  horse- 
bake  in  1797  or  17D8,  and  distributed  papers  and  unsealed 
letters  by  the  way,  before  intermediate  oflices  were  established. 
Mr.  Lucas  succeeded  Mr.  Langdon  in  transporting  the  mail, 
which,  m  1800,  had  become  so  heavy,  as  to  reciuire  a  wagon 
to  transport  it.     Mr.  Lucas  established  a  sort  of  two  horse 
passenger  hack  for  the  conveyance  of  passengers,  and  did  a 
brisk  and  profitable  business.     The  first  four  horse  mail  coach 
was  sent  through  once  a  week,  by  Jusou  Parker,  in  1803  ;  and 
m  1804,  commenced  running  regularly  from  Utica  to  Canan- 
daigua,  twice  a  week,  carrying  the  United  States  mail  and 
passengers.     In  1804,  an  act  was  passed,  granting  to  Jason 
1  arker  and  Levi  Stephens,  the  exclusive  right  for  seven  years, 
of  running  a  line  of  stages  for  the  conveyance  of  passengers,' 
at  least  twice  a  week,  along  the  Genessee  lioad  or  Seneca 
Turnpike,  between  the  villages  of  Utica  and  Canandaigua. 
They  were  bound  to  furnish  four  good  and  substantial  covered 
wagons  or  sleighs,  and  sufficient  horses  to  run  the  same;  the 


888 


ONONDAGA. 


faro  not  to  exceed  five  cents  per  milo  for  each  pasaenger,  with 
fourteen  pounds  of  ba^rga/re.  Thoy  wore  l)y  law  bound  to  run 
through  in  forty-eight  iiours,  accidents  excepted,  and  not  more 
than  seven  passengers  were  allowed  in  any  one  carriage,  except 
by  the  unanimous  consent  of  tho  said  seven  passengers ;  and, 
if  four  passengers  above  the  seven,  applied  for  passage,  they 
were  bound  to  immediately  fit  out  and  start  an  extra  for 
their  accommodation ;  or  any  number  less  than  four  should 
bo  accommodated,  by  paying  tho  fare  of  four. 

In  1808,  a  daily  line  was  established,  and  afterwards  seve- 
ral others,  which  Avcre  continued  until  tho  completion  of  the 
Syracuse  and  Utica  Rail  Road. 

From  the  first,  the  settlement  of  Onondaga  County  has  been 
rapid,  and  the  increase  of  its  population,  uniform  and  perma- 
nent. Notwithstanding  tho  many  divisions  and  subdivisions 
it  has  experienced,  it  is  now  among  tho  first  in  point  of  num- 
bers. In  point  of  location,  the  advantages  of  water  commu- 
nication, and  consequent  facilities  for  the  choice  of  markets, 
Onondaga  is  exceeded  by  few  counties  in  the  State.  In  point 
of  internal  resources,  bringing  into  view  her  increasing  busi- 
ness in  the  manufacture  of  salt,  her  inexhaustable  beds  of 
plaster,  her  water  lime  and  limestone  quarries,  her  fertile  soil, 
and  the  porsevcving  industry  and  intelligence  of  her  citizens, 
she  stands  second  to  none.  Her  mineral  wealth,  from  its  vast 
extent  and  its  adaptation  to  the  wants  of  humanity,  is  of  far 
greater  value  than  tho  golden  mountains  of  California  and 
Peru.  Being  centrally  situated  in  the  Empire  State,  and  tra- 
versed by  till  the  principal  roads,  and  a  railway  leading  from 
the  Atlantic  Cities  to  the  Great  West,  she  is  ever  destined  to 
maintain  a  high  position  among  the  interior  counties  of  the 
State. 

The  Seneca  and  Oneida  Rivers  spread  over  the  northern 
portion  of  the  county,  while  their  tributaries  penetrate  every 
part,  yielding  water  power  abundant  for  the  necessities  of  an 
energetic  and  persevering  people. 

The  Erie  and  Oswego  canals  unite  at  the  City  of  Syracuse, 
the  great  centre  of  business  and  of  trade,  through  which  are 


COUNTY. 


889 


I 
I*  ■ 


sent  the  accumulating  wcaltli  of  nations.  If  the  light  of 
heaven  shines  more  benignly  on  one  country  than  another ;  if 
there  be  one  spot  more  fuvorod  than  another,  it  is  centered 
here. 

In  Hhort,  it  is  evident  to  the  most  inattentive  observer,  that 
the  county  of  Onondaga  contains,  within  itself,  all  the  ele- 
ments of  a  numerous,  rich  and  prosperous  population.  Judg- 
ing from  the  past,  and  from  present  appearances  of  the  future, 
her  increase  in  population,  resouroos  and  wealth,  Avill  exceed 
the  ratio  of  former  years.  Healthy  and  fertile,  possessing  a 
choice  of  markets,  there  is  every  probability  that  in  the  moral, 
political  and  financial  concerns  of  New-York,  Onondaga  is 
destined  to  act  an  important  part,  and  exert  a  powerful  influ- 
ence for  all  time  to  come. 

The  following  statistics  of  Onondnga  County  have  been  ta- 
ken from  the  census  of  1845 : 

Number  of  inhabitants,  70,175  ;  number  subject  to  military 
duty,  6,857;  voters,  15,812;  aliens,  2,183;  number  of  child- 
ren attending  common  schools,  15,040 ;  number  of  acres  of 
improved  land,  811,872 ;  grist  mills,  58 ;  saw  mills,  155 ;  oil 
mills,  4  ;  fulling  mills,  10  ;  carding  machines,  20  ;  cotton  fac- 
tories, 2 ;  woolen  factories,  12 ;  iron  works,  11 ;  trip  ham- 
mers, 5 ;  distilleries,  6  ;  asheries,  18  ;  clover  mills,  8  ;  paper 
mills,  8;  tanneries,  17  ;  breweries,  3;  Churches — Baptist,  20; 
Episcopalian,  10  ;  Presbyterian,  20 ;  Congregational,  9  ;  Me- 
thodist, 40 ;  Roman  Catholic,  4 ;  Dutch  Reformed,  4 ;  Uni- 
versalists,  2 ;  Unitarian,  3 ;  Jews,  2 ;  Quaker,  1 ;  Academies, 
7 ;  Common  Schools,  818 ;  Select,  do.  81 ;  taverns,  142 ; 
wholesale  stores,  4;  retail  do.,  207;  groceries,  230;  farm- 
ers, 8,190 ;  merchants,  284 ;  manufacturers,  870 ;  mechanics, 
3,182 ;  cli  i-gymen,  180  ;  physicians,  126 ;  lawyers,  87. 

Organization  of  Courts. — In  1794,  after  the  Military 
Tract  had  been  set  off  from  Herkimer,  and  organized  as  a 
county  by  itself.  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  and  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace,  were  established  by  law.  These  Courts 
were  ordered  to  be  held  alternately,  on  the  first  Mondays  in 


in 


Ml  i 

f'i     I 


'li 


390 


ONONDAGA. 


May  and  November  in  each  year,  at  the  house  of  Reuben 
Pat  erson,  in  the  town  of  Manliu«,  and  at  the  house  of  Seth 
Phelps,  m  the  town  of  Scipio,  commencing  with  the  first 
Mr  Patterson  then  kept  a  tavern  at  Onondaga  IIolh)w,  which 
at  that  time  was  inchided  in  the  town  of  Manlius.  The.e 
terms  were  to  be  liold  only  for  the  space  of  one  week.  " 

Previous  to  the  organization  of  Onondaga  County,  Courts, 
were  held  for  the  county  of  Herkimer  in  the  church  at  Herkimer 
Village  until  other  Legislative  provision  was  made  in  the  mat- 
ter.    Ool.  Henri  Staring  was  appointed  First  Judge.     He 
was  a  man  possessed  of  many  excellent  qualities,  but  had  ne- 
ver enjoyed  the  advantages  of  an  education ;  still,  he  was  a 
man  of  remarkable  honesty  and  integrity  of  purpose.     Many 
amusing  anecdotes  are  told  of  his  mode  of  administering  ius- 
tice   some  of  which,  border  upon  the  ludicrous  and  derisive 
Michael  Myers  was  one  of  his  associates,  and  filled  many  offi- 

CWv"'t  It'o.''^^  '''''''''  '''•'''  ^-  ^  P-^  «f  Herkimer 
County.     In  1T93,  one  term  of  the  Courts  for  the  county  of 

Herkimer    was   directed  to  be  held  in  Whitestown,  at  such 

place  as  the  Court  should  direct.     The  first  Court  held  under 

this  provision  was  in  the  late  Judge  Sanger's  barn,  Jud^e 

fe  aring  presiding,  assisted  by  Judge  White.     The  late  Jud^e 

gTwiv       o  T'\''  ''"■'^""-  ^"'"^y'  -^  *h«  Sheriff, 
Col.  William  Colbraith,  the  first  Sheriff  who  ever  served  pro^ 

sort  of  '''^^^^^;^^-^-     H^  --  ^  Jolly,  good  humo'red 

sort  of  man  and  withal  a  lover  of  fun.  He  had  seen  some 
service  m  the  revolution,  but  had  acquired  his  title  as  a  militia 
officer  since  the  war.  His  education  had  been  scanty,  and  his 
manners  bore  unequivocal  evidence  that  they  originated  more 
from  a  native  mine  of  genuine  good  humor,  and  a  capacious 
soul  rather  than  from  the  arbitrary  rules  of  a  professor  of 
polite  breeding. 

^  Before  a  Court  House  was  erected  in  Onondaga  County 
civil  and  criminal  prisoners  were  ordered  to  be  confined  in  the 
jad  of  Herkimer  County,  as  heretofore,  until  a  jail  could  be 
provided  in  the  county  of  Onondaga.     The  first  Court  held  in 
the  county,  under  the  new  organization,  was  in  General  Dan- 


"11 


COUNTY. 


391 


forth's  corn  house,  first  Monday  in  May,  1794.  Present, 
Seth  Phelps,  First  Judge ;  John  Eichardson,  Silas  Halsey  and 
William  Stevens,  Judges.  Moses  De  Witt,  Esq.,  was  appoint- 
ed Judge  of  Onondaga  Common  Pleas,  not  present. 

Thomas  R.  Gould  and  Arthur  Breeze,  were  the  only  lawyers 
then  present,  not  one  at  that  time  having  been  established  in 
the  county. 

The  first  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  for  the  county  of 
Onondaga,  was  held  at  the  house  of  Asa  Danforth,  Esq.,  (late 
Reuben  Patterson's,)  on  the  21st  of  July,  1794.     Present, 
the  Hon.  Egbert  Benson,  Esq.,  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  of  Judicature  for  the  State  of  New- York,  assist- 
ed by  Seth  Phelps  and  Andrew  Englis,  Justices  of  Oyer  and 
Terminer  and  General  Jail  Delivery  for  the  county  of  Onon- 
daga.    LaAvycrs  were  in  attendance  at  this  Court  from  Whites- 
town  and  Herkimer.     The  grand  jury  were,  Walter  Wood, 
Foreman ;  Comfort  Tyler,  Isaac  Van  Vleck,  Elias  Fitch,  Mo- 
ses  Carpenter,  William  Ward,  Jonathan  Wilkinson,   Cyrus 
Kinne,  Score  Curtis,  Victory  S.  Tousley,  Amos  Stanton,  Hen- 
ry Moore,  James  Geddes,  Ryal  Bingham,  Reuben  Patterson. 
"Judge  Benson   made    an   eloquent   charge   to   the   Grand 
Jury."     The  only  bill  of  indictment  found  was  against  James 
Fitzgerald  for  an  assault  and  battery  with  intent  to  rob  An- 
drew McCarthy. 

The  Petit  Jurors  on  this  first  criminal  trial,  were,  John 
Brown,  William  Linsley,  Thomas  Morgan,  Henry  Watkins, 
Benjamin  De  Puy,  Nehemiah  Smith,  Isaac  Strong,  John  A.' 
Thompson,  Noah  Olmsted,  Isaac  Baily,  William  Stevens,  and 
Thomas  Ozman,  who  found  the  prisoner  guilty.  Sentenced 
by  the  Court  to  two  months  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail 
at  Herkimer.  The  Court  fined  nineteen  Petit  Jurors,  twenty 
shillings  each,  four  Grand  Jurors  and  two  Constables  each  the 
same  sum ;  John  Stowell,  William  Goodwin,  Perry  Brownell, 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  were  each  fined  thirty  sliillings,  for  ab- 
sence. 

The  next  term  of  the  Circuit  Court  was  held  at  the  house 
of  Seth  Phelps,  in  Scipio,  7th  September,  1795.     Present, 


M  n 


N  1l 


392 


ONONDAGA. 


vZ  T  .  ^^?^'  ^""^^^  '^  *^^  S"Pr^«^«  Court,  Seth 
Phelps,  John  Richardson,  William  Stevens,  Judges  of  On  n- 
daga  County  Commom  Pleas.  The  following  absent  Justices 
ot  the  Peace  were  severally  fined  thirty  shillings,  viz  :  John 
A.  Sheaffer,  William  Goodwin,  John  Stowell,  Cyrus  KhT 
Hezehah  Olcutt  Daniel  Keeler,  Ryal  Bingham  and  S 
Burr  John  A.  Sheaffer  was  indicted  for  forgery.  He  for- 
teited  his  recognizances  and  left,  (estreated.) 

Hon.  Egbert  Benson,  held  the  next  Circuit  at  the  house  of 
Reuben  Patterson  14th  June,  1797,  assisted  by  Seth  Phelps, 
Wilham  Stevens,  Asa  Danforth  and  Comfort  Tyler,  Judge 
and  Justices  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  for  the  county  of  Onon- 
daga.  Gh^nd  Jury-Ozias  Burr,  Foreman;  James  Geddes, 
Ephraim  Webster  Bethel  Cole,  Robert  Earll,  John  Curtiss 
Joseph  Leonard,  Levi  Jerome,  David  Green,  John  Lamb,  Wil! 
ham  Rice  Jonathan  Coe,  Joseph  Cody,  Peter  Lawrence,  Wil- 
ham  Cobb,  Irad  Smith.  Ko  Bills  of  Indictment  were  found 
at  this  term. 

Judge  James  Kent  held  the  next  Circuit  at  the  house  of 

Phelps  Wilham  Stevens,  Seth  Sherwood,  Judges  of  Common 
Pleas  for  Onondaga  County. 

Cayuga  County  was  set  off  from  Onondaga,  in  1799.  The 
first  Court  at  Onondaga,  after  this,  was  held  at  the  house  of 
Reuben  Patterson,  in  June,  1799.  Present,  William  Stevens, 
first  Judge,  assisted  by  Elijah  Rust,  James  Geddes,  Orris  Cur- 
tiss, James  Keep  and  Jere.  Gould,  assistants.  Grand  Jury, 
Ozias  Burr  Foreman;  Aaron  Wood,  James  Foster,  Ch^^^s 
Merriman,  Darnel  Thomas,  Franklin  Venall,  Jonathan  Bull, 
Punderson  Avery,  Shubel  Safford,  Thomas  Foster,  Roswell 
Barnes  Joseph  Bartholomew,  Hezekiah  Weston,  Enos  Peck 
Jonas  Hinman,  Thomas  Gaston,  John  Cole,  John  Stevens.' 
JNo  Bill  found. 

Courts  were  held  at  different  houses  in  Onondaga  Hollow 
to  wit:  Asa  Danforth's,  Reuben  Patterson's,  Samuel  Tyler's 
and  John  Adams',  from  1794  to  1805,  when  the  Court  House 
at  Onondaga  Hill  was  so  far  completed  as  to  allow  of  the 


COUNTY. 


393 


Courta  being  held  there,  with  the  legislative  pvovision  for  ad- 
journing to  any  other  house,  if  the  weather  was  so  inclement 
as  to  render  it  uncomfortable  at  the  Court  House.     In  1801 
Elihu  Lewis,  Jabez  Webb  and  Thaddeus  M.  Wood,  were  ap- 
pointed commissioners  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  Court 
House  for  the  county  of  Onondaga,  at  the  West  Hill.     The 
work  proceeded  very  slowly.     In  1806,  Mr.  Wood  was  super- 
ceded as  a  commissioner,  by  Josiah  White,  and  the  same  year, 
the  Board  of  Supervisors  were  authorizeu  by  law,  to  raise  by 
tax  on  the  county,  two  thousand  dollars,  for  the  purpose  of 
completing  the  Court  House  and  Jail,  which  was  finally  done 
in  1807,  and  the  Courts  were  held  there  till  the  year  1830, 
when  the  Court  House  and  Jail  were  completed  at  their  pre- 
sent location  at  Syracuse.     In  1807,  three  terras  of  the  Court 
of  Common  Pleas  and  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  were  au- 
thorized by  law,  to  be  held  in  May,  January  and  September. 
In  1813,  an  act  was  passed,  authorizing  the  Board  of  Su- 
pervisors of  Onondaga  County  to  levy  a  sum  not  exceeding 
one  thousand  dollars,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  fire-proof 
clerk's  office  for  the  county.     The  office  was  immediately  built, 
—previously  the  office  had  been  kept  at  the  Hollow,  most  of 
the  time  in  the  dwelling  house  of  the  clerk.     After  the  Courts 
were  held  at  Syracuse,  a  new  Clerk's  office  was  there  erected, 
and  the  Books,  Kecords,  Papers,  &c.,  removed. 

The  following  were  judicial  and  executive  officers  for  Her- 
kimer, from  1791  to  1794,  while  Oonondaga  was  a  part  of  Her- 
kimer :  Henri  Staring,  First  Judge  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  • 
Michael  Myers,  Hugh  White  and  Abraham  Hardenburgh,' 
Judges  and  Justices  of  the  Peace;  John  Bank,  Patrick  Camp- 
bell, Jedediah  Stinger,  Amos  Whitmore,  William  Veeder,  Al- 
exander Parkman  and  Ephra™  Blackman,  Assistant  Justices 
and  Justices  of  the  Peace;  Seth  Phelps,  Moses  De  Witt,  Asa 
Danforth,  Edward  Payne  and  others.  Justices  of  the  Peace ; 
William  Colbraith,  Sheriff;  Jonas  Piatt,  Clerk ;  Moses  De  Witt,' 
Surrogate ;  John  Post  and  Daniel  White,  Coroners. 
In  1793,  for  Herkimer  County,  were  reappointed,  Seth 

50 


r    >i 

If 

fl 


I 


S94 


ONONDAGA, 


Phelps,  Asa  Danforth,  Moses  Dewitt,  J,  L.  Hardenburgh  and 
Silas  Halsey,  Assistant  Justices  and  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Judges  of  Onondaga  County  Courts.— Seth  Phelps,  First 
Judge ;  Silas  Halsey,  John  Richardson  and  Moses  De  Witt, 
Judges  and  Justices  of  the  Peace,  1794;  William  Stevens, 
Judge,  1795 ;  Asa  Danforth,  Judge,  1797 ;  William  Stevens, 
First  Judge,  1799  ;  Elihu  Lewis,  Ebenezer  Butler,  Asa  Dan- 
forth, Judges  and  Justices  of  the  Peace ;  Dan  Bradley,  Judge, 
1801;  John  Ballard,  Judge,  1802;  William  J.  Vredenburgh, 
Judge,  1804;    Reuben   Humphreys,   Judge;  Reuben  Hum- 
phreys, First  Judge ;  Dan  Bradley,  John  Ballard  and  William 
J.  Vredenburgh,  Judges  and  Justices  of  the  Peace,  1805; 
Dan  Bradley,  First   Judge,  1808 ;   Squire  Munroe,  Roswell 
Tousley  and  William  J.  Vredenburgh,  Judges ;  Jonathan  Stan- 
ley and  Ozias  Burr,  Judges,  1809 ;  Jacob  R,  De  Witt,  James 
Geddes  and  Sylvanus  Tousley,  Judges,  1812 ;  Joshua  Forman, 
First  Judge,  1813 ;  Reuben  Humphreys,  Judge,  1814 ;  Jacob 
R.  De  Witt,  Squire  Munroe,  Sylvanus  Tousley  and  John  Ten- 
eyck,  Judges,  1815 ;  James  0.  Wattles  and  Warren  Hecox, 
Judges,  1818  ;  Jonathan  Stanley,  Squire  Munroe,  Levi  Mason, 
and  James  Webb,  Judges,  1819 ;  Nehemiah  H.  Earll,  First 
Judge;  John  Mason,  George  Petit  and  James  Sisson,  Jr., 
Judges,  1823;  Nehemiah  H.  Earll,  First  Judge,  1828;  George 
Petit,  Martin  M.  Ford,  Otis  Bigelow  and  John  Smith,  Judges, 
1828 ;  .Samuel  L.  Edwards,  First  Judge,  1831 ;  John  Watson, 
Judge,  1833 ;  Otis  Bigelow,  David  Munro,  George  Petit  and 
James  M.  Allen,  Judges ;  Grove  Lawrence,  First  Judge,  1838 ; 
Nathan  Soule,  Oliver  R.  Strong,  Lyman  H.  Mason  and  John- 
son Hall,  Judges ;  Daniel  Pratt,  First  Judge,  1843  ;  John  L. 
Stevens,  George  A.  Stansbury,  Lyman  Kingsley,  Amasa  H. 
Jerome,  Judges ;  James  R.  Lawrence,  Judge,  1847. 

S-URROGATES  FOR  Onondaga  County.— Moscs  De  Witt, 
1794;  Thomas  Mumford,  1795;  Thaddeus  M.  Wood,  1800; 
George  Hall,  1802;  Medad  Curtis,  1810;  George  Hall,  1811 ; 
James  Porter,  1821 ;  Freeborn  G.  Jewett,  1824  ;  John  Flem- 


COUNTY. 


395 


ing,  1831;  Isaac  T.  Minard,  1840;  David  D.  IliUia,  1844- 
Isaac  T.  Minard,  1848.  ' 

.d^l  ^qI'  r  ^TT.^  CouNTY.-Benjamin  Ledyard,  appoint- 
ed 1794 ;  Comfort  Tyler,  1799 ;  Jasper  Hopper,  1802 ;  George 
W.  Olmsted,  1810 ;  Jasper  Hopper,  1811 ;  Truman  Adams, 
1818  ;  Daniel  Moselj,  1823 ;  Keuben  L.  Hess,  182G ;  Alanson 
Edwards,  1835;  Elijah  llhoades,  elected,  1838;  Charles  T 
Hicks,  1841 ;  Vivus  W.  Smith,  1847. 

'Sheriffs  for  Onondaga  County.— John  Harris  1794  • 
Abiathar  Hull,  1796:  Comfort  Tyler,  1797  ;  Elnathan  Beach,' 
1799 ;  Ebenezer  11.  Hnwlcy,  1801 ;  Elijah  Phillips,  1805  : 
Robert  Earn,  1809;  Elijah  Rust,  1813;  Jonas  Earll,  1814- 
Hezekiah  L.  Granger,  1818 ;  Jonas  Earll,  1819 ;  Luther 
Marsh,  1823 ;  Lewis  Smith,  1826 ;  John  H.  Johnson,  1829  • 
Johnson  Hall,  1832 ;  Dorastus  Lawrence,  1835 ;  Elihu  L 
Phillips,  1838  ;  Frederick  Benson,  1841 ;  Heber  Wetherby, 
1844;  Joshua  C.  Cuddeback,  1847. 

Treasurers  of  Onondaga  County,  appointed  by  Board 
ot  Supervisors.— Moses  Carpenter,  27th  Mav,  1794  •  Jacob 
R.  De  Witt,  1799;  Jacobus  De  Buy,  Oct.  1st,  1805;'  Oliver 
R.  Strong,  Oct.  5th,  1809— resigned  Nov.  11th,  1830;  Mo- 
ses S.  Marsh,  appointed  Nov.  12th,  1830— declined  Nov.  13, 
1830;    Hezekiah  Strong,   appointed   Nov.    13,   1830— died 
1842 ;  Benjamin  F.  Colvin,  appointed  Nov.,  1842 ;  George 
B.  Walter,  Dec,  1844  ;  Phares  Gould,  Nov.,  1845. 
County  Treasurer  made  elective  by  the  people,  1846. 
^  Cornelius  M.  Brosnan,  elected— entered  on  the  duties  of 
his  office,  1st  of  January,  1847,  and  resigned  Dec.  9th  1848 
Wheeler  Truesdell,  appointed  to  fill  vacancy,  Dec.  9th,  1848* 
Treasurer  by  election,  Jan.  1st;  1849.  ' 

Members  of  Congress  from  Onondaga  County,  and 
TBE  District  of  which  it  was  a  part— The  Colonial  Con- 
gress  from  New- York,  consisted  of  only  six  delegates.     And 


i  1  - 1 


III 


ih 


396 


ONONDAGA. 


after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution,  the  number  of  mem- 
bers entitled  to  seats  from  New  York  was  only  six,  in  the  first 
and  second  Congresses— i.  e.  1789  to  1791.  In  1792,  a  new 
apportionment  was  made,  and  ten  members  were  allowed  to 
New-York. 

In  1802,  the  counties  of  Onondaga,  Chenango  and  Tioga, 
constituted  one  Congressional  District,  (the  ninth,)  and  were 
entitled  to  one  member. 

In  the  9th  Congress,  Hon.  Uri  Tracy  was  elected  a  mem- 
ber, from  Chenango,  to  represent  the  district.  The  same 
Congress,  Hon.  Silas  Halsey,  of  Cayuga,  formerly  a  Judge 
of  Onondaga  County  Courts,  was  also  a  member.  In  the  10th 
Congress,  Hon.  Reuben  Humphreys,  of  Onondaga,  repre- 
sented the  13th  district,  and  Hon.  John  Harris,  of  Cayuga, 
formerly  sheriff  of  Onondaga  County,  was  a  member  for  the 
14th  district,  and  Hon.  Wm.  Kirkpatrick  of  Salina,  Super- 
intendent of  Onondaga  Salt  Springs,  represented  the  11th 
district.  Hon.  Uri  Tracy  represented  the  16th  Congressional 
district,  in  the  11th  and  12th  Congresses— years  1809  to  1813. 
In  1813-14,  in  the  13th  Congress,  Hon.  James  Geddes  repre- 
sented the  new  district,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Cortland 
and  Onondaga,  called  the  19th.  1815-16,  14th  Congress, 
Victory  Birdseye ;  15th,  James  Porter  ;  16th,  George  Hall ; 
17th  and  18th,  Elisha  Litchfield  ;  19th,  Luther  Badger ;  20th 
and  21st,  Jonas  Earll,  Jr  ;  22d,  Freeborn  G.  Jewett ;  23d, 
24th  and  25th,  William  Taylor  ;  26th,  Nehemiah  H.  Earll ; 
27th,  Victory  Birdseye  ;  28th  and  29th,  Horace  Wheaton ; 
30th  and  31st,  Daniel  Gott. 

In  1822,  Onondaga  was  a  district  alone,  till  1832,  when  it 
was  made  a  joint  district  with  Madison  County,  and  entitled 
to  two  members.  In  1842,  it  was  again  a  single  district,  as 
it  now  stands. 


Senators  fok  Onondaga  County. — At  the  time  of  the 
formation  and  adoption  of  the  first  Constitution  of  the  State 
of  New  York  in  1777,  Tryon  County  was  entitled  to  six  mem- 
bers of  Assembly  and  the  State  was  divided  into  four  Senate 


COUNTY. 


897 


Bistricts.    The  Western  District  was  composed  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Albany  and  Tryon,  and  six  senators  were  annually 
chosen  from  the  body  of  the  freeholders  of  the  State  for  the 
term  of  four  years.     As  the  population  of  the  country  in- 
creased  sundry  alterations  were  made  and  senators  were  chosen 
at  large  for  the  Western  District.     But  it  seems  that  senators 
were  not  over  punctual  in  their  attendance  from  the  western 
part  of  the  State.     From  the  journals  of  the  senate  we  find 
the  following  members  in  attendance  from  Onondaga  up  to 
1822.     Moss  Kent,  1799 ;  Jedediah  Sanger,  1800 ;  William 
Stewart,  1801 ;  Josepli  Annin,  (Cayuga,)  1802 ;  Asa  Dan- 
forth,  1803  ;  none  from  Onondaga  County  in  1806,  to  1815. 
Henry  Seymour,   1816,  1817, 1818  and  1819  ;  1821,  1822 
none.  ' 

After  the  alteration  of  the  Constitution  in  1822  the  State 
was  divided  into  eight  Senate  Districts.  The  seventh  was 
composed  of  the  Counties  of  Onondaga,  Cayuga,  Seneca  and 
Ontario,  after  which  wo  have  the  following  Senators  from 
Onondaga  County : 

Jonas  Earll,  Jr.,  1823;  Victory  Birdseye,  1827;  Hiram 
F.  Mather,  1829  ;  Samuel  L.  Edwards,  1833 ;  Elijah  Rhoades, 
1841 ;  II.  James  Sedgwick,  1845  ;  George  Geddes,  1848. 

Members  op  Assembly  for  OnoxNdaga  County.— Previous 
to  the  organization  of  Onondaga  County,  Michael  Myers  was 
elected  a  member  for  Herkimer  in  the  year  1792-93.     After 
the  erection  of  Onondaga  County,  it  was  a  joint  district  with 
Herkimer,  and  Jedediah  Sanger,  Esq.  was  elected  and  repre- 
sented the  two  counties  in  the  House  of  Assembly,  years 
1794-95.     There  was  no  return  for  member  of  Assembly  for 
either  Herkimer  or  Onondaga,  for  the  years  1796  and  1797. 
Comfort  Tyler  and   Silas  Halsey  were  members  for  Onondaga 
m  1798  and  1799.     Cayuga  was  taken  from  Onondaga  in 
1799,  and  Ebenczer  Butler,  elected  member  of  Assembly  for 
Onondaga  County  that    year.      Ebenczer  Butler,   member 
of  Assembly  for  1800  ;  Asa  Danforth,  1801  and  1802  •  John 
McWhorter  and  John  Lamb,  1803  ;   James  Geddes  and  John 


1*3 

Is* 


::■. 


I 


t  ■ « 


ill 

!  i 

i 

^V* . 

39« 


ONONDAGA. 


McWhorter,  1804  ;  Wm.  J.  Vredenburgh  and  John  Ballard, 
1805 ;  Jasper  Hopper  and  Wm.  J.  Vredenburgh,  180G ; 
Ozias  Burr  and  Squire  Munro,  1807  ;  Joshua  Forraan  and 
John  McWhorter,  1808  ;  Jacobus  l)e  Pay  and  Barnet  Mooncy, 
1809;  Jacob  Do  Buy  and  Barnet  Mooncy,  1810;  Jasper 
Hopper  and  Robert  Earll,  1811  ;  Jonathan  Stanley  and 
Barnet  Mooney,  1812  ;  Isaac  Smith  and  Moses  Nash,  1818; 
Moses  Nash  and  Barnet  Mooney,  1814  ;  Hczckiah  L.  Gran- 
ger and  James  Porter,  1815;  Truman  Adams,  Elijah  Miles, 
George  Hall  and  Nathan  Williams,  181G  ;  Gideon  Wilcoxon, 
James  Webb,  Asa  Wells  and  Elijah  Miles,  1817;  David  Mun- 
roe,  Abijah  Earll,  Asa  Wells  and  James  Webb,  1818  ;  David 
Munroe,  Henry  Case,  Nathan  Williams  and  Elisha  Litchfield, 
1819  ;  Lewis  Smith,  Jonas  Earll,  Jr.,  Henry  Scymowi  a/nd 
Henry  Field,  1820  ;  Jona&  Earll,  Jr.,  Lewis  Smith,-  George 
Petit  and  Jonathan  Doming,  1821  ;  James  Geddes,.  David 
Munro,  Josephus  Baker  and  Sylvester  Gardener,  1822  ;  Vic- 
tory Birdseye,  Timothy  Baker,  Samuel  L.  Edwards,  Harold 
White,  1823 ;  '^amuel  L.  Edwards,  Timothy  Baker,  George 
Petit,  Mathew  v  an  Vleck,  1824  ;  James  R.  Lawrence,  Moses 
Kinne,  James  Petit,  Erastus  Baker,  1825 ;  John  G.  Forbes,  Da- 
vi<I  Willard,  Freeborn  G.  Jewctt,  Chauncey  Betts,  1826  ;  Dan- 
iel j\Ioseley,  Chauncey  Betts,  Charles  Jackson,  Aaron  Burt, 
1827 ;  Timothy  Barber,  Aaron  Burt,  Daniel  Baxter,  Gideon 
Frothingham,  1828  ;  Lewis  Smith,  Samuel  R.  Mathews,  John- 
son Hall,  Herman  JenkinSyl829 ;  Johnson  Hall,  Dorastus Law- 
rence, Thomas  J.  Gilbert,  Timothy  Brown,  1830;  Thomas  J.  Gil- 
bert, Otis  Bigelow,  Elisha  Litchfield,  J.  H.  Parker,  1831 ;  Miles 
W.  Bennett,  Elisha  Litchfiebl,  Elijah  W.  Curtis,  Ichabod  Moss, 
1832 ;  Asa  Eastwood,  Elisha  Litchfield,  Myron  L.  Mills,  Gabriel 
Tappan,  1833  ;  Oliver  B.  Strong,  Horace  Wheaton,  Javed  H. 
Parker,  Squire  jNL  Brown,  1834  ;  George  Petit,  John  Wilkin- 
son, Sanford  C.  Parker,  David  C.  Lytic,  1835  ;  Sanf'ord  C.  Par- 
ter,  John  W^ilkinson,  David  Munro,  Daniel  Dcnnison,  1830; 
Nathan  Soule,  William  Porter,  Jr.,  George  Petit,  Daniel  Den- 
nison,  1837  ;  Phares  Gould,  A^'ictory  Birdseye,  James  R.  Law- 
rence, Azariah  Smith,  1838;  James  R.  Jjawrence,  Azariah 


COUNTY. 


899 


Smith,  Phares  Gould,  James  L.  v^oorhes,  1839 ;  Victory  Birds- 
eye,  Azariah  Smith,  James  R.  Lawrence,  Pharos  Gould,  1840 ; 
Moses  D.  Burnet,  David  Munro,  William  Taylor,  William' 
Fuller,  1841;  William  Taylor,  William  Fuller,  David  Munro, 
John  Spencer,  1842;  Thomas  McCarthy,  Charles  R.  Vary, 
Benjamin  French,  Thomas  Sherwood,  1843  ;  Elisha  Litchfield,' 
Seth  Hutchinson,  Thomas  G.  Alvord,  Warner  Abbott,  1844 ; 
David  Preston,  Dennis  McCarthy,  Julius  C.  Kinne,  Lake  I. 
Teft,  1845;  Lake  I.  Teft,  Julius  C.  Kinne,  Alonzo  Wood, 
Ehhu  L..  Phillips,  184G ;  Manoah  Pratt,  William  Hender- 
son, John  Lakin,  Joseph  Prindlo,  1847;  Curtis  J.  Ilurd, 
Thomas  Spencer,  Horace  Hazen,  James  Little,  1848  ;  Joseph 
J.  Glass,  Myron  Wheaton,  Joseph  Slocum,  Samuel  Hart,  1849. 

Deleqates  to  Convention  to  Revise  Constitutions.— 
1822 :  Victory  Birdseye,  Parley  E.  Howe,  Amasi  Case,  Asa 
Eastwood.  1846 :  William  Taylor,  Elijah  Rhoades,  Cyrus 
Kingsley,  David  Munro. 

First  Board,  of  Supervisors  op  Onondaga  County.— 
The  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  Onondaga 
County  was  held  at  the  house  of  Asa  Dan  forth  in  the  Town 
of  Manlius  on  Wednesday  the  27th  of  May,  1794.  The  fol- 
lowing members  composed  the  Board  :  Silas  Halsey  of  Ovid, 
Benaijah  Boardman  of  Romulus,  Ezokiel  Crane  of  Aurelius, 
Comfort  Tyler  of  Manlius,  John  Stoyles  of  Scipio,  Moses 
De  Witt  of  Pompey ;  not  present,  Wyllys  Bishop  of  Milton, 
Robert  McDowell  of  Ulysses,  William  Stevens  of  Marcellus. 
The  Towns  of  Homer  and  Lysander  not  yet  organized.  The 
first  valuation  of  property  in  the  several  towns  in  Onondaga 
County,  was  as  follows : 


III 


H 


400 

ONONDAGA. 

Valuation. 

Proportion  of  Tax. 

Manlius, 

X2500 

£31  58.  Od. 

Marcellus, 

1303  4s. 

16  10  1 

Ovid, 

1881 

23  10  3 

Romulus, 

2094 

26    3  6 

Scipio, 

2576  166 

1.            82    4  2J 

Milton, 

2796 

34  19  0 

Aurelius, 

1729 

21  12  3 

Pompey, 
Ulysses,     , 
Homer, 

2700 

"  Estimate  mode  nt  random  by     J-  '^  U 
Iho  Bourd."                 500 

33  15  0 

12  10  0 

6    5  0 

Lysander, 
Add  Town  ( 

sharges, 

400 

5    0  0 

28    9  2 

Total  valuation,  .£19,479 

Total  to  be  raised  by  Tax,  £273  17  3J 

The  accounts  of  the  Board  were  kept  in  pounds,  shillings, 
pence  and  farthings  till  the  year  1798,  after  which  they  were 
kept  in  dollars,  cents  and  mills.  Considerable  suras  were  yearly 
allowed  for  wolf  scalps,  varying  from  five  to  ton  dollars  per 
scalp ;  and  for  fox  scalps  at  fifty  cents  per  scalp ;  and  an  occa- 
sional panther,  at  ten  dollars  per  scalp. 

The  Board  of  Supervisors  for  1797,  gives  the  following 
census  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  several  towns  in  the  county, 
and  the  valuation  of  property  : 


Pompey, 

262  inhabitants. 

valuation. 

$20,327  50 

Milton, 

252 

18,392  50 

Marcellus, 

133 

10,607  50 

Aurelius, 

248         « 

21,687  50 

Scipio 

298         " 

24,750 

Ulysses, 

52         « 

4,777 

Homer, 

92         " 

6,670 

Ovid, 

163         " 

10,691  62 

Romulus, 

143 

15,572  50 

Manlius, 

116         « 

13,203  25 

Lysander, 

not  organized,  or  included. 
1759  inhabitants.     Total  valuation, 

Total, 

$146,679,37 

COUNTY. 

The  Legislature  in  1708,  set  off  several  new  towns 
(luga  County,  and  the  supervisors  give  the  following 
Scipio,  318    inhabitants,  valuation,  $ 

Solon,  49 


401 


Sempronius,    87 

Homer,  03 

Fabius,  82 

Romulus,  181 

Ovid,  216 

Milton,  849 

Aurelius,  33,5 

Manlius,  131 

Ulysses,  60 

Onondaga,  80 

Porapey,  250 

Marcellus,  159 

Ly  Sander,  15 


a 
n 


U 

(( 
(( 
(( 
(( 

u 


« 

« 
(( 
(t 
u 
({ 
(( 

(( 
« 


in  Onon- 

returns  • 
22,736 

3,605 

4,847 

4,447 

5,342 
18,759 
16,041 
24,871 
26,166 
15,503 

5,000 

9,000 
20,000 
11,471 

1,500 


Total,  2375  Total  valuation,     $188,888 

In  1709,  after  Cayuga  was  set  off,  we  have  the  following 
population  of  the  several  towns  of  Onondaga  County : 


Camillus, 

54  inhabitants. 

Pompey, 

309  inhabitants 

Solon, 

62 

a 

Onondaga, 

100         " 

Homer, 

95 

u 

Manlius, 

131 

Fabius, 

117 

a 

Lysander, 

16        « 

Marcellus, 

152 

n 

Total, 


1036 


'. 


Military  Organization  for  Onondaga  County. — On  the 
8th  of  March,  1791,  the  following  appointments  were  made 
for  Herkimer,  in  Major  J.  L.  Hardenburgh's  battalion.  Gene- 
ral Volkert  Veeder's  brigade  :  Captains,  Moses  De  Witt, 
Benjamin  Dey,  Roswell  Franklin  ;  Lieutenants,  Jacob  Hart, 
Ilezekiah  Olcott,  Joshua  Patrick,  Josiah  Buck ;  Ensigns,  Sam- 
uel Lackey,  Asa  Danforth,  Jr.,  Nathan  Walker,  James  Alex- 
ander; David  Holbrook,  Surgeon. 

Patrick  Campbell,  appointed  Brigadier  General  for  Herki- 

61 


I  i, 


402 


ONONDACJ  A. 


mer  County,  Octolxir  (Hh,  17!».'{.  In  17!».'{,  Moses  Do  Witt 
was  appointed  Major;  Asa  Danforth,  Mnjor  ;  first  ci.iiipjuij, 
Ilezekiah  Olcott,  Captain;  Jeremiah  Cioul<i,  LitMitonjint;  Com- 
fort Tyler,  Ensi;,'n  ;  second  company,  Ash  Diuiforth,  Jr.,  Cup- 
tain ;  Orris  Curtis,  Lieutenant ;  James  Clark,  Knsi^^'n. 

In  March,  17i*4,  the  following  apfiointmeiits  were  nindo  for 
Ononda^'a  County.  Mnjcu-  John  h.  ilanleiihur^^'irs  iKittalidi,  : 
Solomon  IJuell,  Captain  light  infantry  ;  Noah  Ohnstead,  Lieu- 
tenant ;  Jonathan  Hrownell,  Ensign,  fn  Mnjors  De  Witt  tiiul 
Danforth's  battalions  ;  Jeremiah  Jackson,  Captain  light  in- 
fantry; Jonathan  Russell,  Lieutenant;  Sier  Curtiss,  Ensign. 
On  the  8th  of  April,  1795,  Othniel  Taylor,  E3(i.,  was  appoi1,t- 
ed  Commandant  of  a  Brigade,  comprising  the  county  of  Onon- 
daga and  Ontario,  with  the  title  of  JJrigadier  General.  A 
troop  of  horse  was  organized  in  said  brigade,  1795,  and  Wal- 
ter D.  NichoUs  appointed  Captain. 

In  1706,  the  Governor  organized  several  new  regiments  in 
the  counties  of  Ontario  and  Onondaira. 

The  battalion  heretofore  commanded  by  Major  Danforth, 
was  made  a  regiment,  comprising  the  townships  of  Hannibal, 
Lysander,  Cicero,  Manlius,  Pompey,   Fabius,  Solon,  Cinci- 
natus,  Tully,  Virgil,  Camillus,  Sempronius,  Locke,  Drydon, 
and  the  Onondaga  Reservation.     Asa  Danforth,  Lieutenant 
Colonel,  Commandant;  Ilezekiah  Olcott,  first  Major;  Josiah 
Buck,  Second  Major ;  Joshua  Wickoff,  appointed  First  Lieu- 
tenant ;  Thaddeus  M.  Wood,  Second  Lieutenant;  and  Colinan 
Keeler,  Cornet  in  Captain  Nicholls'  troop  of  horse,  in  Gene- 
ral  Taylor's  brigade,   March,  1707.     The  following   officers 
were  appointed  in  Lieutenant  Colonel  Danfoi-th's  regiment, 
viz  :  Hezekiah  Olcott,  First  Major  ;  Asa  Danforth,  Jr.,  Second 
Major;  John  Ellis,  Adjutant;  Elijah  Rust,  Paymaster  ;  Jabez 
Hull,  Quarter  Master ;  William  Needham,  Surgeon  ;  Walter 
Colton,  Surgeon's  Mate  ;  Jesse  Butler,  Lieutenant ;  Comfort 
Tyler,  Captain  ;  Nehemiah  Earll,  Lieutenant ;  Elijah  Phillips, 
Captain ;  Caleb  Pratt,  Lieutenant ;  John  Lamb,  Captain  ;  Wil- 
liam Cook,  Lieutenant ;  Samuel  Jerome,  Captain ;  David  Wil- 
liams, Captain ;  Robert  Earll,  Captain,  &c.  &c. 

EXD  OF  VOL  I. 


t'S  I)c  Witt 
it  coinpjuiy, 
iiimt;  (.'(Mil- 
li,  .Jr.,  Cup. 
si,i,'n. 

■('  iiinde  for 
1  ii.'ittalioii : 
itcad,  liicii- 
)('  Witt  tiiul 
n  li^lit  iii- 

98,   Elisii,'!!. 

ns  appoint- 
y  of  Onon- 
:)neral.  A 
,  and  Wal- 

giraents  in 

Danfortli, 
Hannibal, 
on,  Cinci- 
,  Drjdon, 
jioutonant 
ir;  Josiah 
'irst  Liou- 
rid  Colniaii 
,  in  Cionc- 
if^   officers 
roginiont, 
r.,  Sfcoiid 
er  ;  Jtihcz, 
i;  Walter 
;  Comfort 
h  Phillips, 
ain  ;  AVil- 
>avid  Wil- 


*^»^v 


